"The Tortoise", Folio from an `Aja'ib al-Makhluqat (Wonders of Creation) of Qazwini
Flag of IranIslamic ArtCodicessecond half 16th century

By Zakaria bin Muhammad bin Mahmud Abu Yahya Qazwini

"The Tortoise", Folio from an `Aja'ib al-Makhluqat (Wonders of Creation) of Qazwini is a codices from Iran created in second half 16th century using opaque watercolor and gold on paper measuring Page:H. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm) W. 5 1/2 in. (14.6 x… attributed to Zakaria bin Muhammad bin Mahmud Abu Yahya Qazwini — now part of the Islamic Art collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About This Artwork

MediumOpaque watercolor and gold on paper
DimensionsPage:H. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm) W. 5 1/2 in. (14.6 x 14 cm) Mat: H. 19 1/4 in. (48.9 cm) W. 14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm) Frame: H. 21 3/4 in. (55.2 cm) W. 16 3/4 in. (42.5 cm)
ClassificationCodices
DepartmentIslamic Art
Credit LineBequest of George D. Pratt, 1935
Datesecond half 16th century

Historical Context

Geography

Origin: Khurasan, Iran. Flag of Iran

Frequently Asked Questions

What department houses "The Tortoise", Folio from an `Aja'ib al-Makhluqat (Wonders of Creation) of Qazwini?

"The Tortoise", Folio from an `Aja'ib al-Makhluqat (Wonders of Creation) of Qazwini is housed in the Islamic Art department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

When was "The Tortoise", Folio from an `Aja'ib al-Makhluqat (Wonders of Creation) of Qazwini created?

"The Tortoise", Folio from an `Aja'ib al-Makhluqat (Wonders of Creation) of Qazwini dates to second half 16th century.

What material is "The Tortoise", Folio from an `Aja'ib al-Makhluqat (Wonders of Creation) of Qazwini made from?

"The Tortoise", Folio from an `Aja'ib al-Makhluqat (Wonders of Creation) of Qazwini is crafted from opaque watercolor and gold on paper.

Where does "The Tortoise", Folio from an `Aja'ib al-Makhluqat (Wonders of Creation) of Qazwini originate?

"The Tortoise", Folio from an `Aja'ib al-Makhluqat (Wonders of Creation) of Qazwini originates from Iran.

Is "The Tortoise", Folio from an `Aja'ib al-Makhluqat (Wonders of Creation) of Qazwini in the public domain?

"The Tortoise", Folio from an `Aja'ib al-Makhluqat (Wonders of Creation) of Qazwini is in the public domain and can be freely used.

Data Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Open Access · Last updated: April 2026

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