Page of Calligraphy from an Anthology of Poetry by Sa`di and Hafiz

Art Historical Context

This exquisite page from a late 15th-century anthology showcases the poetry of the beloved Persian masters Sa‘di and Hafiz, masterfully transcribed by the renowned calligher Sultan ‘Ali al-Mashhadi. in the refined tradition of manuscript production, the work reflects the deep cultural reverence for poetry and the written word in Persian-speaking lands during the Timurid era. Such anthologies were often commissioned for royal libraries or discerning patrons, serving both as literary treasures and objects of aesthetic delight. Rendered in ink, opaque watercolor, silver, and gold on paper, the p...