Lot 41: A TURKISH RED PAPER-CUT CALLIGRAPHIC PANEL OF SURAH AL-KAWTHAR, BURSA, 20TH CENTURY

A TURKISH RED PAPER-CUT CALLIGRAPHIC PANEL OF SURAH AL-KAWTHAR, BURSA, 20TH CENTURY

A Turkish paper-cut (kati) calligraphic panel executed in vibrant red paper mounted upon a white paper support. The composition is arranged in three horizontal registers of Arabic calligraphy in a formal thuluth script, surmounted by a imperial tughra (monogram). The calligraphic text comprises the three verses of Surah Al-Kawthar (Quran 108). The top line reads Inna a’tainakal-kawthar (Indeed, We have granted you, [O Muhammad], al-Kawthar). The middle line reads Fasalli lirabbika wanhar (So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone]). The bottom line reads Inna shani’aka huwal-abtar (Indeed, your enemy is the one cut off). The central field containing the script and the double rectangular borders are intricately hand-cut to form an extremely fine diamond lattice or mesh pattern. The calligraphy and the tughra are left as solid paper elements against this delicate mesh background.

84.5cm x 67.5cm