ISLAMABAD: Albeit illustrations in Persian poet Saadi Shirazi’s book, Bustanmight not be among must-see paintings before you die, four remarkable pieces from the book are latest additions to Islamabad Museum’s collection of historical artworks.

According to the museum, the book was completed in 1257 CE and is considered one of the two major works by Saadi.

“This book is one of the 100 greatest works of all time according to the Bokklubben World Library. It is composed in mathnawi style (rhyming couplets), and has been translated into English. He would have been delighted that his work is now on display for many to appreciate and admire,” said director of the Archaeology Museum Dr Ghafoor Lone.

The book, portrays beautiful illustrations complimenting a compilation of accounts from Saadi’s travels and his commentary about human psychology. Dr Lone pointed out that Saadi wrote with fervour, sometimes offering advice as it was done in Aesop’s fables. There are 10 chapters in the book covering themes like ethics and training, justice, mercy, love, humility, contentment, devotion, education, gratitude, repentance, and praying.

The text alongside intricately-painted imagery somehow makes one connect with the poet himself. One of the impressions titled ‘In Love and Youth’ depicts the tail of Layla and Majnooon, wherein Majnoon is seen standing before a king.

“The pages will certainly interest students of literature and budding artists studying miniature paintings. The confidence of the brush work and the unique shades of colour that artists back then so painstaking executed are simply admirable,” Dr Lone said.

The museum is home to more than 1,100 artifacts dating back to the Indus Civilisation along with treasures from 5 BC to 5 AD and the Gandhara period, collected from ancient sites like Bhir Mound, Sirkap, Dharmarajika and Swat valley.

Two steel door knockers from the 8th century along with stone inscriptions from the first mosque in Udigram from the 10th century are among the items on display besides glazed and glass pottery and objects carved out of ivory. The collection also includes 100-year-old British-era Lewis lightweight machine guns.

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2021