Page of Calligraphy from an Anthology of Poetry by Sa`di and Hafiz

Art Historical Context

This exquisite page from an anthology of poetry brings together the verses of two beloved Persian poets, Sa‘di (13th century) and Hafiz (14th century), transcribed in the late 15th century by the renowned calligrapher Sultan ‘Ali al-Mashhadi. Working in the refined tradition of Persian manuscript production, al-Mashhadi created a harmonious balance between text and ornament. The page exemplifies how poetry and calligraphy were regarded as twin arts in Islamic culture, meant to be both read and visually savored. Executed in ink with delicate touches of opaque watercolor, silver, and gold on paper, the work demonstrates the sophisticated techniques of the period. Gold and silver accents highlight poetic lines and decorative borders, while the fluid nasta‘liq script flows across the page with rhythmic elegance. Such illuminated codex pages were often assembled into luxury albums or manuscripts for princely patrons, reflecting the high status of both literature and the written word in Timurid and early Safavid courts. Preserved today at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this leaf offers visitors a window into a world where art, spirituality, and language converged. Its modest dimensions belie the immense cultural importance of preserving poetic wisdom through exquisite craftsmanship that continues to inspire appreciation for Persian literary heritage.