Lot 262: A Qajar Calligraphic Composition Depicting Imam ‘Ali (Shama’il),...
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A Qajar Calligraphic Composition Depicting Imam ‘Ali (Shama’il), Early 20th Century.
A finely executed Qajar-period calligraphic shama’il composition depicting Imam ‘Ali, meticulously formed through dense Arabic script arranged to define the figure’s garments, posture, and surrounding ornaments. The Imam is shown seated cross-legged upon a patterned platform, holding a long, striped sword—Dhu’l-Fiqar—rendered with alternating black and ochre panels. His face is represented in the traditional veiled manner, encircled by a radiant sunburst halo expressed through dotted rays extending outward from the head. The composition is enriched with intricate floral backgrounds, hanging lamp motifs, and structured geometric floor panels filled with alternating floral and hatched designs. Surrounding the central image is a broad border of bold Qur’anic and devotional inscriptions in flowing black script, framed with red and ochre outlines.
Approximately 41.5 x 29.5cm
Provenance: Private collection from a distinguished W London lady
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