elaborate illumination

Evidence

"The Mas̲navī’s monumental size, elaborate illumination and production only five years after Rūmī’s death is a testimony to his shrine’s cultural importance"

Remarks

The illumination of the 1278 Masnavi is described as elaborate and sophisticated (p. 113). A specific feature noted is the 'pointed oval frontispiece' or 'mandorla' (almond shape), which the author argues was likely adopted from Byzantine and Gothic visual traditions where it signified 'sacred space' and the 'glory of God' (p. 122). This local Konya style of illumination may have been introduced by Mukhliᅣ ibn ȀAbdullāh al-Hindī (p. 124).