Slow Looking of Objects
The main object is of a brocade cover, which is also depicted on the monster’s dead body in the passage. This object is a 47cm by 54cm rectangular shaped cover made of silk.[1] The threads are of very thinly wrapped gold and silver, with some blue and peach coloured threads intertwined. The cover consists of these large “interlocking ogival medallions.”[2] The six darker coloured medallions seem to be made up of a gold thread and the light-coloured medallions consist of a silver thread. Within each medallion are several elaborate floral decorations. Each medallion consists of flowers with peach coloured threads, however, the light-coloured medallions have eight flowers with blue threads and the darker medallions have only four. Also apparent is some damage to the brocade as the edges seem to be frayed and there is some discoloration of the fabric, most noticeable at the top left corner which is darker than the rest of the cover. The colours of the flowers are also not as vivid and appear paler than expected. Specifically, some of the blue coloured flowers in the darker medallion have faded.
Historically, this cover was made in Iran in the first half of the 17th century. This type of cover is similar in material and decoration to what was worn by Iranian nobles in its time.[3] This object contributes to better understanding the monster as it may give context to the role and status of the monster, which is never explained in the passage. Although this brocade is attributed to the 17th century, and the Shahnameh was written between 977 and 1010 CE, brocade making, and its use can be dated back about 2000 years[4]. It has been stated that “textiles were ubiquitous in Islamic lands…Often made with costly materials such as silk and gold- and silver- wrapped thread and decorated with complex designs, textiles were luxury goods signifying wealth and social status.”[5] As such, the brocade covering found drawn over the dead monster’s body may be representative of him being a noble and respectable figure. To defend this further, there are two other images of brocades being used for people of nobility and status, particularly in the death of a king or noble figure.
Depicted on a 18.3 by 14.9 cm paper in ink and watercolours is the mourning of the death of king Iskandar.[6] The casket is centered at the bottom of the page, covered in a green and black brocade. Gold is used to emphasize the thread detailing on the cover, seen as small flowers on the black portion, and larger eye shaped medallions on the green. Also, the image depicts a woman, supposedly Iskandar’s mother, embracing the casket as if in mourning. The individuals surrounding her also appear in mourning, specifically apparent by the woman blue and man in black as they shed and wipe tears from their faces. Gold detailing is also seen on the dresses of both men wearing black and more interestingly, the mother’s dress depicts brocade patterning, with the same gold and green detailing as the brocade cover on the casket. Also notable are the four text boxes in the center of the page with Persian words written in black ink. This manuscript image is from the Shahnama, dated 1440 and of Persian culture.[7] This object illustrates the primary artifact as the brocade cover in this image also has flower details and medallion shaped decorations. The gold detailing on the painted brocade reflects the gold threads used in the primary artifact. Furthermore, the brocade in this image reflects how the primary artifact would be used. Here, brocade is used as a symbol of nobility; it is draped over the casket of a king and worn on his noble mother. Also, similar to its use in the literary passage with the monster, the brocade in this image is being used in the instance of death.
This 37 by 23.9 cm paper manuscript image depicts the funeral of king Yarzdigird.[8] On the left and middle portion, blue and pink watercolours are used to create a brocade carpet, which also has blue and pink flower patterning. The carpet seems to be placed in a mausoleum with the king’s casket directly on top, seen in a brown and wood looking colour. Around the casket, and standing on top of the carpet, are what look like three priests praying. They also seem to be wearing brocaded dresses with gold detail. Furthermore, the people standing outside all appear to be men and look like they are in mourning. Specifically, on the right and middle are two men, one wearing green with his arms up and the other in blue with his hands covering his mouth. Notably, there are also four boxes on the bottom and on the top of the image with gold detailing and Persian texts written in black ink. Gold is also used on the outer borders of the image, depicting animals and creatures. This manuscript image is from the Shahnama, dated 1562 and is of Persian culture.[9] The floral design and colourful appearance of this brocade carpet reflects a similar design as the brocade cover from the MET’s catalogue, with the pink and blue flowers representing the threads used in the primary artifact. Moreover, the image illustrates the primary artifact being used in the instance of nobility and power; it is placed specifically under the casket of a king and is worn by priestly and noble figures. Also apparent is the use of this brocade in the death of a significant figure, similar to its use with the monster in the literary passage.