An album page with calligraphy exercise (Siyah Mashq)
Iran, 19th century
framed and glazed
page size 30cm x 20.3cm
Persian text in ink on coloured paper, with five lines of nasta'liq script written with black ink as a calligraphy practice sheet.
After the 16th century, calligraphy exercise sheets evolved into a widely appreciated, free standing, art form. Typically lacking literal meaning, mashq pages are valued purely for their visual and aesthetic qualities. They were often incorporated into decorative borders, compiled into albums, or exchanged as gifts.
An album page with calligraphy exercise (Siyah Mashq)
Iran, 19th century
framed and glazed
page size 30cm x 20.3cm
Persian text in ink on coloured paper, with five lines of nasta'liq script written with black ink as a calligraphy practice sheet.
After the 16th century, calligraphy exercise sheets evolved into a widely appreciated, free standing, art form. Typically lacking literal meaning, mashq pages are valued purely for their visual and aesthetic qualities. They were often incorporated into decorative borders, compiled into albums, or exchanged as gifts.
