Persian Miniature Tradition

Timeline

1. c. 750–950Baghdad · IraqAbbasid court scriptoria added decorative illustrations to scientific treatises and literary manuscripts, blending Sasanian and Byzantine visual elements and forming the technical and thematic source of Persian miniature painting.
2. c. 1050–1140Isfahan · IsfahanScriptoria sponsored by the Seljuk sultans added narrative illustrations to Persian-language epics and chronicles, with lines growing finer and compositions flatter, marking the formation of an independent aesthetic tradition of Persian miniature painting.
3. 1141–1150Isfahan–Baghdad scriptoria · IranAmid Seljuk fragmentation and local emirate rule, scriptoria continued producing illustrated manuscripts; miniature techniques grew increasingly mature in mineral pigment preparation, gold-leaf decoration, and conventions of figure posture, laying the foundation for large-scale narrative illustration after the 13th century.