Highly detailed Persian or Mughal era miniature painting from the book "Gulistan", depicting an outdoor court scene with three figures - the male figure is likely Sa'di, the author of the book. They are all seated, holding small cups. Behind them to the right is the exterior of a building, with an ornate entrance. To the left, there is a tree in a garden, with a landscape unfolding behind it.
"Gulistan" ("The Flower Garden") is perhaps the most famous and influential piece of Persian literature, consisting of a collection of nearly six hundred poems and stories. The themes are broad but generally are structured around finding wisdom and beauty among flowers and plants.
This page is from Chapter 2, Story 48. At the top of the page above the illustration is the last line...
Category
Mid-19th Century Islamic Antique West Asian Paintings and Screens