Lot 156: Bahadur Shah Zafar – An Illuminated Arabic Calligraphic...
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Bahadur Shah Zafar – An Illuminated Arabic Calligraphic Firman, Delhi, 19th Century.
A finely executed Arabic calligraphic firman produced in Delhi and richly illuminated in the Mughal taste. The composition is arranged within a series of geometric and floral borders, enclosing bold central calligraphy in black ink. The upper register features a circular medallion of dense script, while beneath appears the word “Allah” prominently rendered, followed by an elegant interlaced calligraphic composition. A further line of script is presented within a red cartouche at the lower section.
The calligraphy is framed by delicately painted floral sprays in soft tones of pink, blue, orange, and green, arranged symmetrically around the central panel. The outer border is decorated with continuous flowering plants against a pale ground, reflecting the refined manuscript illumination traditions of late Mughal Delhi.
The reverse bears an exhibition label reading:
“No. 216 – Article: Calligraphy panel – Arabic – Made at Delhi – Maker: Bhadur Shah Zafar – Exhibitors: S. J. Telléry & Co., Delhi, Calcutta, Bombay, Simla, East India – Price $190.”
Approximately 32.7 x 24.5cm
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