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A rare calligraphy in shikasteh ta'liq script, signed by Ikhtiyar al-Munshi (d.1567), Persia, Safavid, 16th century
Estimate
12,000 - 16,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Ink and gold on paper
Persian manuscript on paper, 6 lines to the page, written in fine black shikasteh nasta'liq script, interspersed by gold dots, laid down on paper and ruled in gold, attribution line in nasta'liq script in upper margin, framed
Condition
In fair overall condition, creasing, a few smudges, abrasions to paper in lower section, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Khwaja Ikhtiyar Ibn 'Ali Gunabadi Munshi, the most celebrated calligrapher of the style known as ta'liq or shikasteh ta'liq, was born in Gunabad but lived in Herat and worked as a secretary at the court of the Safavid prince Sultan Muhammad Mirza, son of Shah Tahmasp, in Herat for about thirty years. His signed pieces are dated between 1538-39 and 1562-63 (M.H. Semsar, 'Ikhtiyar Munshi', The Great Islamic Encyclopaedia, edited by K. Musavi Bojnurdi, vol.VII, Tehran, 1998, pp.175-8). His latest recorded work is an album offered in these rooms, 3 October 2012, lot 55.
Two pages of ta'liq calligraphy by Ikhtiyar al-Munshi were sold in these rooms 22 April 1999, lot 33, whilst a calligraphic page in shikasteh ta'liq script was included amongst a group of Safavid calligraphies sold at Christie's 8 April 2008, lot 189. A collections of sayings written by the calligrapher is in the David Collection (29/2009), Copenhagen.
Two pages of ta'liq calligraphy by Ikhtiyar al-Munshi were sold in these rooms 22 April 1999, lot 33, whilst a calligraphic page in shikasteh ta'liq script was included amongst a group of Safavid calligraphies sold at Christie's 8 April 2008, lot 189. A collections of sayings written by the calligrapher is in the David Collection (29/2009), Copenhagen.