Album Page with Découpé Calligraphy

Unknown

1630–40 · Gouache on black paper with colored and white decoupage · Islamic Art

This calligraphic folio, comprised of découpé letters, floral motifs, and sinuous arabesques, is a masterful creation of two artists who have signed their work: Ali, the calligrapher and Muhammad Hasan, the paper cutter. The calligraphy reveals a saying attributed to ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad) upon freeing his slave Qanbar, which became a well-known Shi’ite phrase. Here the letters are interwoven with a simple but strong S-shaped arabesque scroll bearing blossoms.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1630–40

Medium

Gouache on black paper with colored and white decoupage

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Howard Hodgkin Collection, Purchase, Florence and Herbert Irving Acquisitions, 2020 Benefit, and Dodge Funds; Howard S. and Nancy Marks Gift; Louis V. Bell, Harris Brisbane Dick, Fletcher, and Rogers Funds and Joseph Pulitzer Bequest; and funds from various donors, 2022