SIGNED BY SHAH MAHMUD AL-NISHAPURI, SAFAVID IRAN, 16TH CENTURY

Details

A NASTA'LIQ QUATRAIN
SIGNED BY SHAH MAHMUD AL-NISHAPURI, SAFAVID IRAN, 16TH CENTURY
Persian manuscript on buff paper, with 4ll. of black nasta'liq flanked by triangular panels with gold and polychrome floral illumination, one containing the signature of Shah Mahmud in cloud-band reserved on the illuminated ground, to the right, above and below three panels of nasta'liq laid down on white ground, the panels with gold and blue rules, laid down on buff card with gold illuminated pink margins, minor scuffing
Calligraphy 4½ x 2½in. (11.5 x 6.3cm.)

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Lot Essay

Shah Mahmud al-Nishapuri, also known as Zarin Qalam ('Golden Pen'), lived and worked in Tabriz for most of his life. He was a royal calligrapher to Shah Tahmasp (d.1574) and was without doubt one of the greatest calligraphers of his time, renowned for his 'perfect nasta'liq'. When the Shah lost interest in the Arts, Shah Mahmud moved to Mashhad and worked there under the patronage of Ibrahim Mirza (d.1577) until he died (Norah M. Titley, Persian Miniature Painting and its Influence on the Art of Turkey and India, London 1983, pp.84,103,105, fig.81; and A.J. Arberry (ed.), The Chester Beatty Library. A Catalogue of the Persian Manuscripts and Miniatures, Vol. II, no. 179). His recorded work is dated between AH 923-982/1517-75 AD.

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