Court lady singing and playing the vina

Her mouth open slightly in song, the woman’s hennaed fingers strum a three-string vina, an Indian musical instrument with a resonator made from a gourd. Music was an essential component of courtly entertainment, along with the drinking of wine and the appreciation of poetry, paintings, and jewels. <br><br>On the verso, the first two lines in Persian read: <br>Once again, Iraqi broke his vows: <br>From the cup of love he became intoxicated and ecstatic. <br><br>The excerpt from the mystic poet Jami is more of a pious injunction: <br>Until you are bold enough to take to the seas, <br>You will not reap spiritual benefits from your inner heart. <br>Unless you pitch your tent next to the spiritual guide, <br>You will not enjoy him to the fullest.