Layla and Majnun

Seated on a carpet with a lattice and floral design is a female figure, identified as “Layla” through the Urdu inscription above her head. She wears an elaborate headdress, a long red dress, a green shawl, and ornate jewelry, which includes a head ornament, necklaces, armlets, bracelets, earrings, and a nose ring. In her right hand she holds a green flask, while her left hand holds out a small blue and white cup. Her palms are dyed with henna. In front of her are two cups, a flask, two apples, a bowl, a tray of grapes, and a book on a stand. Across from her, seated on the ground and under a sapling, is an emaciated male figure. He is identified as “Majnun” through the Urdu inscription above his head. He is depicted with dark skin, curly hair, a beard, a pink loin cloth. The tale of the star-crossed lovers Layla and Majnun, who have been compared to Juliet and Romeo, has inspired many poets through the centuries. The best known version is that written by Nizami Ganjavi (1141-1209) in the 12th century.