ISLAMIC, INDIAN ART & JEWELS

AN ILLUMINATED PERSIAN CALLIGRAPHY PAGE, SIGNED ABDULRAHMAN, PROBABLY SHIRAZ, 19TH CENTURY

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Start price: £550

Estimated price: £600 - £800

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Description

A superb example of Persian calligraphic art, this finely illuminated page is signed by ‘Abd al-Rahman and dated 1225 AH (1810 CE). Likely produced in Shiraz, a prominent artistic center in Qajar Iran, this work exemplifies the refinement and elegance of Persian manuscript illumination and calligraphy of the early 19th century.


Executed in fluid black nasta‘liq script, the text is beautifully arranged in diagonal lines across a gilded and floral background densely ornamented with fine polychrome details in pink, blue, and green. The composition is framed by an exquisite border of deep blue adorned with gold floral motifs, enclosed within multiple gilt and colored rules. The upper portion of the frame features a delicately arched headpiece (sarloh) filled with intricate arabesque and floral decoration.

The harmonious interplay of line, color, and illumination reflects the sophisticated aesthetic of Qajar-period calligraphic presentation, intended for inclusion in an album (muraqqa‘) or as a standalone work of art.

Mounted on a later blue card for display.

31.5 x 19.5cm