Notebook of Calligraphy

dated Muharram 1170 AH/October 1756 CE

Not on view

This oblong manuscript bound on the short side is referred to as a safina (the Arabic and Persian word for ship). It is an anthology of love poetry in shikasta (broken) script in which the verses are set into cloud-shaped cartouches and set against a background of shimmering gold. Poetic anthologies in this format demonstrate the continuation of a literary tradition that originated in Iran and Central Asia in the 15th century and proliferated from the 16th century onward.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Title: Notebook of Calligraphy
Date: dated Muharram 1170 AH/October 1756 CE
Geography: Made in Iran
Medium: Ink and gold on paper with embossed leather cover
Dimensions: H. 8.25 in. (21 cm)
W. 4 in. (10.2 cm)
Classification: Codices
Credit Line: Purchase, 2017 and 2018 NoRuz at The Met Benefits, 2019
Object Number: 2019.174
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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