SIGNED [MUHAMMAD HUSAYN] KASHMIRI [ZARRIN QALAM], MUGHAL INDIA, LATE 16TH CENTURY

Details

DOUBLE SIDED CALLIGRAPHIC PAGE
SIGNED [MUHAMMAD HUSAYN] KASHMIRI [ZARRIN QALAM], MUGHAL INDIA, LATE 16TH CENTURY
Persian manuscript on paper, each side with two full lines and a smaller panel of powerful nasta'liq on gold sprinkled buff and blue leaves, two panels in the corners of each with small paintings of birds, within red and gold margins with blue rule and laid down on buff and blue-tinted paper decorated with orange, blue and green floral designs some within contained cartouches, one side signed faqir Kashmiri (Needy Kashmiri)
Calligraphy 6½ and 7 x 11in. (16.5 and 17.8 x 28cm); Folio 14½ x 9 3/8in. (36.8 x 23.8cm.)

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Lot Essay

Muhammad Husayn al-Katib Kashmiri (d. AH 1020/1611-12 AD), was the most celebrated calligrapher at the court of the emperor Akbar, who gave him the title of Zarrin Qalam (Golden Pen). He continued to work at the court of Jahangir and his recorded work is dated between 988 (1580-1AD) and 1017 (1608-9AD) (Mehdi Bayani, Ahval va Asar-e Khosh-Nevisan, Vol. III, Tehran, 1348 sh., pp 702-704). Many examples of his work are decorated with small pictures of birds as are found here. For other examples of his work please see lots 211-213, 218, and also lot 82. As can be seen from this selection he varied how he referred to himself in his signature quite considerably between different works.

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