SIGNED BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR, MUGHAL INDIA, SECOND QUARTER 19TH CENTURY

Details

A CALLIGRAPHIC COMPOSITION
SIGNED BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR, MUGHAL INDIA, SECOND QUARTER 19TH CENTURY
Arabic manuscript on blue-dyed card, 2ll. black naskh set vertically with the ascenders on each side merging into one another, framed by further lines of calligraphy, below the signature of Bahadur Shah reserved against gold cloudbands, set within red rules and blue borders with white floral interlace, above a large seal with a partially-illegible date, set within red rules and gold knotted borders, in forest-green margins with an overall gold lattice illumination, the verso plain with old dealer's sticker, loss to edges
Text panel 7 ½ x 5 5⁄8 in. (19 x 14.2cm.); folio 13 ¼ x 8 7⁄8 in. (33.8 x 22.4cm.)

Provenance

Private USA Collection

Exhibited

S. J. Telléry & Co. (per label on verso), possibly shown at "The Industrial art manufactures of the Indian Empire," Chicago, 1893

Conditions of sale

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Lot Essay

The last Mughal Emperor of Delhi Bahadur Shah Zafar (r. 1837 – 1857) is recognised for successfully fostering a vibrant court culture and a brief, but impactful, revival of artistic and literary expression. An enthusiast and follower of renowned poets including Ghalib and Zauq, Zafar was himself an accomplished poet and calligrapher. The legacy of his calligraphic skills prevails in works like this, which are rare not only for their historical significance but also their artistry. Two similar works were sold in these Rooms on 7 April 2011, lot 294 and 25 April 2024, lot 114. An additional two examples are in the British Library (Add.21474, f.3 and IO Isl 3581). What sets this particular work apart is its fusing of devotional depth with poetic elegance and the refined execution places it at the intersection of imperial sophistication and spiritual reflection.

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