Lot 47
- 47
Three calligraphic leaves signed by Adilshahi court calligrapher Mir Khalil Padishah-Qalam, India, Deccan, 17th century
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Gouache heightened with gold on paper
Persian manuscript on paper, 3 leaves comprising 6 panels of calligraphy, each 2 to 3 lines to the page written in fine nasta'liq script in black ink, 6 further rectangular panels pasted above and below, the interstices filled with interlacing polychrome split-palmettes against a gold ground, mounted and presented in a modern folder
Condition
In good overall condition, a few abrasions, calligraphy bold and gold bright, 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
Mir Khalil Padishah-Qalam (Mir Khalilullah Shah)
Mir Khalil Padishah-Qalam, better-known as Mir Khalilullah Shah, was among the leading sayyids of Iraq-i Ajam. He served as court calligrapher and courtier in the palace of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II in Bijapur. He became so famous for his mastery in nasta’liq that Safavid Shah Abbas I (r.1587-1629) wrote the following panegyric praising him:
'The sun of ‘Iraq has risen from Deccan soil.
Such a jewel of that soil came from its own mine.
The leader of the calligraphers of the world,
I mean, Khalil, the idol-destroyer, came'
In 1617, when Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II compiled his book, Kitab-e-Navras (Book of Nine Rasas), he asked Mir Khalil to transcribe a copy. After its completion, the Sultan was so pleased that he gave Mir Khalil the epithet Padishah-Qalam ('king of the pen') and to show his appreciation symbolically seated him on his throne. Mir Khalil was celebrated by the members of the court, including the viziers of the imperial council. For more on Mir Khalil see Mehdi Bayani, ahval va athar-e khosh-nevisan-e nasta’liq, vol.1, Tehran, 1345, pp.177-180; Minorsky, Calligraphers and Painters, 'A treatise by Qadi Ahmad son of Mir Munshi', Washington, 1959, p.151. An important illuminated manuscript of Nizami's poems executed by Mir Khalili was sold in these rooms 9 April 2014, lot 60.
Mir Khalil Padishah-Qalam, better-known as Mir Khalilullah Shah, was among the leading sayyids of Iraq-i Ajam. He served as court calligrapher and courtier in the palace of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II in Bijapur. He became so famous for his mastery in nasta’liq that Safavid Shah Abbas I (r.1587-1629) wrote the following panegyric praising him:
'The sun of ‘Iraq has risen from Deccan soil.
Such a jewel of that soil came from its own mine.
The leader of the calligraphers of the world,
I mean, Khalil, the idol-destroyer, came'
In 1617, when Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II compiled his book, Kitab-e-Navras (Book of Nine Rasas), he asked Mir Khalil to transcribe a copy. After its completion, the Sultan was so pleased that he gave Mir Khalil the epithet Padishah-Qalam ('king of the pen') and to show his appreciation symbolically seated him on his throne. Mir Khalil was celebrated by the members of the court, including the viziers of the imperial council. For more on Mir Khalil see Mehdi Bayani, ahval va athar-e khosh-nevisan-e nasta’liq, vol.1, Tehran, 1345, pp.177-180; Minorsky, Calligraphers and Painters, 'A treatise by Qadi Ahmad son of Mir Munshi', Washington, 1959, p.151. An important illuminated manuscript of Nizami's poems executed by Mir Khalili was sold in these rooms 9 April 2014, lot 60.