g that
this volume he was reading recounted not a story or a legend； but what was
most unbefitting a book： reality itself。 When the elderly man sensed this； he
was overe with terror。 His illustrator son had entered through the
window； as in the painting； and without even looking twice at his father’s
bulging eyes； swiftly drove his dagger—as large as the one in the painting—
into his father’s chest。
72
DJIM
In his History； Rashiduddin of Kazvin merrily writes that 250 years ago in
Kazvin； manuscript illumination； calligraphy and illustration were the most
esteemed and beloved arts。 The reigning Shah in Kazvin at that time ruled over
forty countries from Byzantium to China—perhaps the love of book arts was
the secret of this great power—but alas； he had no male heir。 To prevent the
lands he’d conquered from being divided up after his death； the Shah decided
to find a bright miniaturist husband for his beautiful daughter； and toward
this end； arranged a petition among the three great young masters of his
atelier； all of whom were bachelors。 According to Rashiduddin’s History； the
object of the petition was very simple： Whoever made the most
remarkable painting would be the victor！ Like Rashiduddin himself； the young
miniaturists knew that this meant painting in the manner of the old masters；
and thus； each of the three made a rendition of the most widely liked scene： In
a garden reminiscent of Heaven itself； a young and beautiful maiden stood
amid cypress and cedar trees； among timid rabbits