Gulirana, (Persian for rose) was brought to England by a 15^th Century Lord of the manor. A restless man with a sense of adventure and a keen mind, Lord Aldous discovered her in the household of his host, Kaliph Omran. The child of English parents, she was the sole survivor of a shipwreck and as far as was known, had never spoken a single word. An avid chess player, the Kaliph noted his guest's interest and wagered the girl upon a single match. Not yet a member of the Harem, and merely a gifted lute player, it amused the Kaliph to be generous. From the day of his winning match, Aldous would call her Rana, his rose. So it was, this delicate girl finally returned to her native country where she remained in his home until her mysterious disappearance many years later.

Richard was home to stay. His privateering days and ample reward from his good Queen Bess afforded the young Lord a comfortable living. His estates needed his attention. The maze was a tangle of overgrown hedge and he doubted the grounds keepers had touched it in years. As Richard neared the entrance, faint music drifted through the early evening air. Heads would roll if the servants had turned his maze into a trysting place! The way through the puzzle was an old memory, never forgotten and he rapidly approached the center. The damp spring air caused dewdrops to rain on his cloak like tears. His brow furrowed. Odd time of year to be cavorting in the open. The soft, dulcet notes were of some unknown tune. Yet he felt a sense of recognition. He would vow it was a lute. His heart quickened as he stepped into the clearing and shuddered as the air suddenly warmed about him. She was seated on the old stone bench. Her head was bent over the delicate little golden lute in complete concentration. Richard was stunned! And the sense of knowing not only the tune, but the lady as well, was overwhelming. Then he remembered the legend. His nurse had comforted him in the night with tales of the old Lord and his beautiful exotic ward. As his mind grasped at those tales, she suddenly looked up and opened her beautiful lips as if to speak. She stood, stepped in his direction, pointed toward the turret and vanished. All that remained, was a single red rose. Richard would return to that enchanted place each night for many weeks. His household thought him daft, and a desperate hope to see her again was in vane, for she never returned. Many years later, as he was recounting the tale to his son, he remembered the turret.

Her portrait now hangs in the Great Hall. For almost a century it lay hidden in a dark tower, gathering dust and cobwebs, until unearthed by a smitten 16^th Century Lord who knew all he would ever have of her was a legend and this dim image rendered in pigment on canvas. She is a beautiful, mysterious creature. Her lute in her arms and a look of such wisdom and longing it nearly breaks the heart.

The Costume - is entirely of rich, burgundy silk. Two silk chiffon skirts, topped by a bodice of a delicate rose patterned silk.. The bodice is trimmed in custom made gold trim, and beaded with gold and "pearl" glass beads. Three golden "coins" dangle from the front points. It is laced in back and front. The silk chiffon sleeves are wrapped with gold and burgundy cord and end at the wrists in a gentle long cuff.

The Accessories -Rana's cap matches her bodice and is accented with golden chain, "coins" and beads. The veil is silk chiffon, accented with tiny golden "coins". Her jewelry is ornate golden filigree accented with tiny "ruby" crystals, "pearls" and red glitter drops. Her hand painted panel fan and golden pomander hang from her waist. Red lace panties and golden, beaded shoes complete her costume.

The Lute - was designed and handcrafted by the artist as a replica of a delicate ladies lute. It has been finished to resemble wood and gold leaf. The top is embossed and hand painted. It has five filament strings. It is constructed from wood supports and layers of stiffened paper.

The Bench - was designed and handcrafted by the artist to resemble creamy stone.

The lute was originally an Arab instrument, introduced into Europe in the late 13th century as a result of the Crusades. Originally small (5 or 6 strings) and plectrum (quill) plucked, the lute reached its classical form by 1500 as a larger, finger-plucked instrument. It was popular throughout the Renaissance, but was replaced by the guitar in the 18th century. As the bowl was only 1/4" of an inch thick, very few original instruments have survived due to their extreme fragility

Rana - has been completely repainted. She has soft green eyes, shadowed in soft charcoal, feathered dark brows, shades of rose lips, new wig and a natural manicure. Her jointed elbows, knees and twist waist allow for a variety of poses.

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