Notebook of Calligraphy

Unknown

dated Muharram A.H. 1170/ October 1756 CE · Ink and gold on paper with embossed leather cover · Islamic Art

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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

dated Muharram A.H. 1170/ October 1756 CE

Medium

Ink and gold on paper with embossed leather cover

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, 2017 NoRuz at The Met Benefit, 2019