Calligraphy with Floral and Animal Border - Mir 'Ali Haravi

A refined example of Nasta'liq calligraphy by Mir 'Ali Haravi, framed by an illuminated border of birds, deer, and floral motifs.

This work features the master calligraphy of Mir 'Ali Haravi, a scribe active in Herat during the sixteenth century. The central panel displays Nasta'liq script, a style characterised by its fluid, sloping lines and balanced proportions. The text is set against a gold-flecked ground, framed by multiple borders that demonstrate the technical precision of the period.

The surrounding margin is decorated with a repeating pattern of flowering plants, birds, and deer. These elements are rendered with fine detail, typical of the illumination techniques found in royal albums of the Mughal and Safavid courts. The composition follows a structured hierarchy, where the central calligraphic text remains the primary focus, while the outer border provides a decorative frame that guides the eye around the page.

Mir 'Ali Haravi is recognised for his contribution to the development of Nasta'liq, and his work was highly sought after by collectors, including the Mughal emperors. This specific page was later incorporated into the Shah Jahan Album, a collection of calligraphic specimens and paintings assembled for the Mughal ruler. The combination of refined script and naturalistic motifs creates a balance between the written word and visual ornamentation. The use of gold leaf and mineral pigments reflects the high status of such manuscripts, which were intended for private study and appreciation by the elite. The preservation of these delicate lines and colours allows for a clear view of the craftsmanship involved in sixteenth-century Persian book arts.