English: An illustrated and illuminated folio from a manuscript of Husayn Va’iz al-Kashifi’s Akhlaq-i Muhsini; Ya'qub ibn Layth standing on the roof in full armour, Persia, Shiraz, Safavid, 16th century

Gouache and ink heightened with gold on paper, 2 lines to the page above and below the painting, written in nasta'liq in black ink, laid down on card

Leaf 22.5 by 13.5cm.

In this charming scene, the Saffarid amir Ya’qub ibn Layth has consulted his astrologers about an auspicious time to enter battle. Hearing that this was in eight hours' time, he stands on the roof in full armour, testing his endurance in the heat of the strong sun.