Page of calligraphy

Detached folio from an unidentified text; Persian in black nasta’liq script; a quatrain within a central panel; corners embellished with triangular illuminated panels; signed by Muhammad Masih-Allah al-Husayni.
Border: The text is set in gold, black, and white rulings in a gold floral and leaf scroll.

Maker(s)
Calligrapher: Masih-allah al-Husayni (active early 17th century)
Historical period(s)
1617 (1026 A.H.)
Medium
Folio; black ink, gold, and colors on brown paper with gray marbling
Dimensions
H x W (overall): 20.7 x 12 cm (8 1/8 x 4 3/4 in)
Geography
Iran, Isfahan
Credit Line
The Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Collection
Accession Number
S1997.107
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Manuscript
Type

Detached manuscript folio

Keywords
Iran, nasta'liq script, Ralph and Catherine Benkaim collection
Provenance

To 1993
Sale, Sotheby's, London, Arcade Auction, May 1993 [1]

To 1997
Ralph and Catherine Benkaim, Beverly Hills, CA, to 1997 [2]

From 1997
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, given by Ralph and Catherine Benkaim in 1997

Notes:

[1] According to Provenance Remark 1 in the object record: "Sold, Sotheby's, London, Arcade sale, May 1993."

[2] According to Provenance Remark 1 in the object record.

Previous Owner(s) and Custodian(s)

Ralph (1914-2001) and Catherine Benkaim
Sotheby's (London)

Description

Detached folio from an unidentified text; Persian in black nasta'liq script; a quatrain within a central panel; corners embellished with triangular illuminated panels; signed by Muhammad Masih-Allah al-Husayni.
Border: The text is set in gold, black, and white rulings in a gold floral and leaf scroll.

Inscription(s)

Bottom page, left, Aghal Muhammad Masih-Allah al-Husayni
“Least, Muhammad Masih-Allah al-Husayni, may [God] forgive him."

Published References
  • Thomas Lawton, Thomas W. Lentz. Beyond the Legacy: Anniversary Acquisitions for the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. vol. 1 Washington, 1998. pp. 144-147.
Collection Area(s)
Arts of the Islamic World
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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