Verses in Nasta'liq Script

Due to required maintenance, some galleries and artwork may be off view. Learn more

Currently not on view

Verses in Nasta'liq Script

c. 1863

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

In the early tenth century, geometric principles for writing calligraphy were established and six styles were standardized, but calligraphy continued to evolve. Nasta'liq script, which originated in the fourteenth century, is said to have arisen during a dream of the master calligrapher Mir 'Ali Tabrizi. According to legend, he envisioned geese whose wings and soaring movement called to mind the shapes of letters. Indeed, nasta'liq is renowned for its line modulation and plunging horizontal letters. Nasta'liq became the preferred script for penning Persian poetry and other secular texts because of its bold, yet elegant, appearance. Here, the calligrapher employs it to write blessings and good wishes.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Verses in Nasta'liq Script

Date:

c. 1863

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Ink, watercolor, and gold on paper

Dimensions:

Image: 5 5/8 × 9 1/4 inches (14.3 × 23.5 cm) Sheet: 10 1/4 × 15 inches (26 × 38.1 cm)

Classification:

Books/Manuscripts/Information Artifacts

Credit Line:

The India Collection: Gift of the British Government, 1878

Accession Number:

1878-197

Geography:

Made in India, Asia

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.

Currently not on view

More like this:

1/12