The work of the important calligrapher Mir 'Ali

Source: http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/search/LotDetail.asp?sid=&intObjectID=4351273&SE=CMWCAT03+1284529+%2D1426312763+&QR=M+1+77+Aqc0000900+1227479++Aqc0000900+&entry=india&SU=1&RQ=True&AN=78
(downloaded Sept. 2004)

"Lot Description: THREE NASTA'LIQ COUPLETS BY MIR 'ALI, SAFAVID IRAN, 16TH CENTURY WITH 17TH CENTURY MUGHAL ILLUMINATION. Persian manuscript on paper, 7ll. of fine black nasta'liq in clouds over finely illuminated gold ground with delicately painted orange, pink and blue flowers, signed lower corner Mir 'Ali, top corner with added blue illuminated panel, mounted on card, in frame. Leaf 7 5/8 x 4in. (19.5 x 10cm.)

Lot Notes: Mir 'Ali is often mentioned by Savafid sources as among the most important nasta'liq calligraphers of the time, despite never being in the service of a Savafid court. Born in Herat c.1476, in 1528 he was deported to Bukhara, where he remained until his death c.1556. The Safavid prince Ibrahim Mirza greatly admired his work and had a large collection of his calligraphy. Sayyid Ahmad wrote of him in AH 972/1564-5 AD that was the equal of Sultan 'Ali Mashhadi. It is not surprising that his work was appreciated as far afield as Mughal India. Another page of his with later illumination from a Mughal album is in the Freer Gallery (P. Soucek: "Calligraphy in the Savafid Period 1501-76", Hunt for Paradise: Court Arts of Savafid Iran, New York, 2003, pp.49-71, fig. 3.14)."