A LARGE CALLIGRAPHIC COMPOSITION IN THE SHAPE OF A BIRD

PROBABLY DECCAN, INDIA, 19TH CENTURY OR EARLIER

Details

A LARGE CALLIGRAPHIC COMPOSITION IN THE SHAPE OF A BIRD
PROBABLY DECCAN, INDIA, 19TH CENTURY OR EARLIER
Ink and transparent pigments on cloth, the calligraphic text probably in praises to Imam 'Ali arranged in the shape of a large bird of prey, some brown staining and minor losses, mounted
24 x 14in. (61 x 35.7cm.)

Provenance

Christie's, 19 October 1994, lot 16

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Lot Essay

A gilt-copper standard from which the present composition is possibly copied is published in Stuart Cary Welch, India, Art and Culture 1300-1900, exhibition catalogue, New York, 1985, cat.220, pp.324-325. The standard is attributed to Deccan, perhaps Hyderabad.

The inscription is in praise to Imam 'Ali, a religious formula known as Nadi 'Aliyyan. It translates as Call 'Ali, the locus of manifestations of miracles - You will find him a help in the vicissitudes of life. All grief and sorrow will pass Thanks to your saintliness, O 'Ali, O 'Ali, O 'Ali.

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