Double Title Page from a `Aja'ib al-Makhluqat wa Ghara'ib al-Mawjudat (The Wonders of Creation and the Oddities of Existence). Author: Zakaria bin Muhammad bin Mahmud Abu Yahya Qazwini (ca. 1203-83). Dimensions: Ht. 11 3/4 in. (29.8 cm)
W. 8 7/8 in. (22.5 cm). Date: 1414-35.
The Marvels of Creation contained information on various aspects of the heavens, the earth and its minerals, plants, birds and animals, as well as unusual phenomena and imaginary creatures. A rukh (roc) or 'anqa (fabulous bird) attacking an elephant and a karkadann (rhinoceros) can be seen to the right of each medallion, while on the left are depicted two tigers, a dragon and a phoenix, a ch'i-lin and another fabulous creature.