Page from the Mirror of Holiness (Mir’at al-quds) - Abd al-Rahim, the Anbarin-Qalam

A fine art print of a manuscript leaf from the Mir’at al-quds, featuring masterfully executed Nasta’liq calligraphy by the Mughal scribe Abd al-Rahim.

This manuscript leaf originates from the Mir’at al-quds, or Mirror of Holiness, a life of Christ commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The text is executed in the Nasta’liq script, a style of calligraphy characterised by its fluid, elegant curves and varying stroke weights. The scribe, Abd al-Rahim, was a master of this form, earning the title Anbarin-Qalam, which translates to Amber-Pen, in recognition of his exceptional skill.

The page displays the text arranged in a balanced, vertical format. The paper shows signs of age, including foxing and discolouration, which provide a sense of its historical journey. The borders are framed by bands of muted blue-green pigment and thin gold lines, a common decorative practice in Mughal book arts. The script itself remains clear, demonstrating the precision required for imperial commissions during the early seventeenth century.

As a piece of Islamic art, this work reflects the synthesis of Persian calligraphic traditions within the Mughal court. The Mir’at al-quds was intended to provide the Emperor with an account of Christian history, illustrating the cross-cultural exchanges occurring in India at the time. The physical condition of the leaf, with its weathered edges and visible ink saturation, offers a direct connection to the scribal practices of the period. This print captures the texture of the original paper and the rhythmic quality of the ink strokes, allowing for a close examination of the calligrapher's technique. It is a document of both religious history and the high standards of courtly book production in the Mughal Empire.