A Nasta'liq Quatrain

The poetry on the central panel and the narrow border that frames it are executed in fine nastaʿliq script. The contrast between the white ink and the gold ground is stunning. However, the eye is drawn to the lavish borders of this lavish album page. They consist of a range of flowering plants, including blooming roses, hyacinths, poppies, and apple blossoms. They are delicately rendered to convey a refreshing sense of sensuality and whimsy. Both the calligraphy panel and the borders are signed, which is unusual for album folios of this period. The painter was likely looking at European, possibly Dutch, botanical prints and watercolors circulating in Iran at the time, although he has developed his own distinctive style.