Dating Manuscript of Divan of Saadi based on Examinations of its Illumination Techniques (with an Emphasis on Manuscript of a Divan of Hafiz)

There is a manuscript by Saadi (the great poet of 13th century، Iran) in the collection of Saarem-o-dolleh (in Ibn Miskawayh library of Isfahan) which is known for its magnificent illumination. This book has a colophon but the year of its inscription is still unknown. This missed part has led us to seek a way of dating it، a different way based on technical data of the work. In this regard، we had to find a book with specified date and similar illumination techniques. A Hafiz manuscript (the great poet of 14th century) from the very same collection، dated 1283 Hijri Qamari (Qajar period) with the mentioned qualities made this study possible. After further examinations we found that this similarity is scientific and based on clear reasons. Based on our hypothesis we can say that both manuscripts definitely belong to the Qajar period. With regard to the numerous technical similarities including delineation، they may even be attributed to one artist، or a master and his pupil. This paper uses descriptive- analytical method and the data is collected through field research.