Bound Manuscript with Prayers in Praise of Imam 'Ali

Hasan 'Ali

dated A.H. 970/ 1562 CE · Manuscript: Ink, opaque watercolor and gold on paper Binding: Leather and gold · Islamic Art

The folios of this prayer book are notable for the unusually large size of the nasta‘liq script and spacious layout. The calligrapher Hasan ‘Ali was reportedly adept at writing in a large scale. Prayer books such as this one proliferated during the reign of Shah Tahmasp (r. 1524–76) and represent a moment when the Safavid ruler handsomely rewarded poets who wrote eulogies of the Shi‘i Imams, rather than those who composed verses praising him.

Artist

Hasan 'Ali

Date

dated A.H. 970/ 1562 CE

Medium

Manuscript: Ink, opaque watercolor and gold on paper Binding: Leather and gold

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Friends of Islamic Art Gifts, 2017