An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Story of Haftvadc. 1300
Description Young girl showing her invention of spinning to the ladies. 'The Spinners' is a delightful miniature. The colors are very good and the subject matter and the treatment of the landscape-half Persian, half Chinese- is of special interest. R.E. The daughter of Haftwad increases her daily spinning in the mountain side iwth the help of the appleworm. Haftwad's daughter is with the other girls of the city of Kujarn. (Warner and Warner Vol. VI, p. 233).
9 5/8 x 7 3/8 in. (24.5 x 18.7 cm)
Ink and color on paper
Page
Western Iran or Baghdad
Ilkhanid dynasty (1256–1357)
Bequest of Mrs. Margaret McMillan Webber in memory of her mother, Katherine Kittredge McMillan
In the soft, golden light of dusk, a group of women gather outside the village of Kerman, their hands deftly weaving the delicate threads of cotton. The fleeting whispers of their laughter dance through the air, mingling with the gentle rustle of leaves. Above them, the sky glows warm and inviting, a canvas brushed with hues of gold that mirrors the mystical landscapes of distant lands—echoes of Chinese artistry that once traveled into Persia during the Mongolian reign. It is a beautiful tableau, yet it is the tale of an unassuming man and extraordinary fortune unfolding amidst this serene setting that draws the eye.
At the far edge of this picturesque scene stands Haftvad, a modest man whose life is about to change in the most astonishing way. His daughter, curious and playful, is just beginning to take a bite from a shiny apple when she discovers a surprising secret hiding within its flesh—a tiny worm. To most, it would have been a nuisance, but to her, it is a sign of good luck. With a smile of innocence, she decides to keep it, tucking the little creature safely within her spindle case as if it were a treasured charm.
What follows is nothing short of miraculous. With the worm nestled among her threads, she finds herself spinning cotton at an incredible pace, her modest home soon filling with the bounty of her labor. Haftvad, noticing this unexpected tide of good fortune, takes the whimsical creature under his wing, nurturing it with care. To their astonishment, the worm grows—rapidly—as though it possesses the very spirit of prosperity, transforming from a mere critter to a colossal being, the size of an elephant.
As the worm flourishes, so too does Haftvad's wealth and influence. His humble beginnings now blend seamlessly with the fabric of the village's success, turning him into a figure of admiration among his peers. Yet, with rising fortunes often come shadows of envy. King Ardeshir, a man consumed by jealousy, casts a wary eye upon Kerman and its newfound prosperity. Driven by greed, he descends upon the village, aiming to crush this unexpected rival.
In a confrontation that hangs heavy in the air, the lustrous tale of Haftvad reaches a tragic climax. The king, blinded by envy, defeats Haftvad and, in a moment that echoes throughout history, strikes down the magnificent worm that had gifted them so much.
As silence blankets Kerman, the sky turns a deeper shade of gold, this time tinged with the bittersweet shadow of loss. The stories of fortune and misfortune intertwine, reminding us that even in triumph, the grip of jealousy can unravel the threads of destiny.
About the artist
Inspiring wonder through the power of art. The Minneapolis Institute of Art enriches the community by collecting, preserving, and making accessible outstanding works of art from the world’s diverse cultures.
The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.
Address: 2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
The best place to view Minneapolis Institute of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.