The Arabesque Kalila Wa Dimna "Cat and Mouse Fable" Bookends Inspired by Manuscript Paintings From 1200
$152.45 $179.35
A popular manuscript in the medieval period in the Middle East was the Kalila wa Dimna, a collection of fables about animals which contained lessons and morals for the reader. This text was written in India in the 4th century CE. and was knowns as the Panchatantra. It was translated from Sanskrit into Pahlavi (Middle Persian) two hundred years later when the Persian king sent his physician named Burzoe to India to search for a plant which could give everlasting life. The physician returned with this book and had it translated. The Panchatantra was translated into the Kalila wa Dimna and into Arabic by a writer and statesman in the Abbasid court named Ibn Muqaffa in the 8th century. From its Arabic version it spread to the rest of the world.
Kalila and Dimna are two jackals who tell the stories of different animals as parables to understand good conduct (adab) and proper manners in which all classes of society should abide by. In this set of bookends we have recreated a scene from a circa 1200 copy of the Kalila wa Dimna from Syria. In it, a cat gets caught up in a hunter's net. This trap was set next to the home of a rat. Since the cat and mouse are natural adversaries, the story records a conversation between the cat and rat in which the cat must convince the rat that he won't eat him after he the rat gnaws the trap so the cat can escape. The rat is distrustful, yet begins to gnaw the net in which the cat is trapped because he sees that an owl and a weasel are standing by to prey on the trapped cat. The rat saves the last bite of the net to when the cat is distracted and runs to his dwelling for safety soon after ensuring the cat can break free. The hunter returns to find his net empty and gnawed open.
These bookends try to capture the original scene from the 1200 manuscript with the art of woodburning and painting the background of the scent to mirror the manuscript and the inclusion of vintage figurines from the 20th century.
Dimensions: Base 5 x 7". Height 8"
Stain: Ipswich Pine.
Paint, Shellac, and Gold Metallic Paint finishes
Material: Basswood
Shipping from United States
Processing time
1 business day
Customs and import taxes
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Payment Options
Returns & Exchanges
I gladly accept returns and exchanges
Just contact me within: 14 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 30 days of delivery
I don't accept cancellations
But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
The following items can't be returned or exchanged
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:
- Custom or personalized orders
- Perishable products (like food or flowers)
- Digital downloads
- Intimate items (for health/hygiene reasons)
Conditions of return
Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gift wrapping and packaging
Yes. We can gift wrap your purchase for an additional $10.00 service charge. Your gift wrapping is guaranteed to be unique and one of a kind. We use a variety of paper, ribbon, and decorative embellishments to create a very elegant gift wrap. Just let us know in a note at checkout that you would like your gift wrapped and we will create a gift wrapping listing for you in order to bill you for the service.
Custom and personalized orders
We are committed to providing our customers with well thought of and exceptionally made custom and personalized orders. Scroll through our website and our custom products section to get an idea of what you'd like. Anything you see on our website can be reproduced in larger or smaller sizes. We can also make things in the colors that suit you. Contact us and we will get back to you with an idea and proofs that will give you a good idea about what your project will look like.
Wholesale availability
Yes. Wholesale ordering is available. If you need a certain item or design in wholesale quantity we will certainly do that for you with competitive pricing. Please contact us for further details.
Payment options
When you buy through our Etsy shop or at www.thearabesque.com you will be directed to make an Etsy account. Etsy provides a secure platform for checkout and payment and accepts all major credit cards and Paypal. You now also have the option of checking out as a guest.