An illustration from Farid al-Din cAttar's Mantiq al-tair (Language of the Birds)Shaykh Mahneh and the Villagerattributed to the celebrated painter Bihzad, 1487, HeratThe figures are dressed as Timurids of the 15th Century A larger image of Shaykh Mahneh and the Villager from Farid al-Din 'Attar's Mantiq al-tair (Language of the Birds) by Bihzad, 1487, Herat Source: metmuseum This painting illustrates a story that stresses the importance of the quest (talab). The story is as follows: Shaikh Mihna (Abu Sacid Mihna'i, 967-1049), a famous shaikh of Khorasan, wandered in the wilderness in a state of depression. He saw a peasant in the distance cultivating wasteland with an ox-plow. The peasant emitted light. Shaikh Mihna approached the peasant and told him of his painful condition. The peasant advised him to be patient and pursue the endless quest. Back to Illustrations of Timurid & Turkmen Costume & Soldiers |