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Page from the Late Shah Jahan Album: Calligraphy Framed by an Ornamental Border
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Page from the Late Shah Jahan Album: Calligraphy Framed by an Ornamental Border
Page from the Late Shah Jahan Album: Calligraphy Framed by an Ornamental Border with Poppies and Pairs of Birds, c. 1653. Treated as a jewel set in gold and floral arabesques, this work is an example of how Mughal patrons held the art of calligraphy in higher esteem than figural painting. This work is unsigned, so the calligrapher remains unknown, but the lines are excerpts from a didactic ode composed by Amir Khusrau (1253-1325) of Delhi, known as the " Parrot of India, " one of the most accomplished authors of the Persian language in India. The text itself reads: Anyone, whether noble or ignoble, who covets wealth, is destined for hell. Aloe-wood and dung, once thrown in the fire, turn to ash. It is hard for an unrefined mind to master sophisticated thought. For the wind to lift up the feet of a mountain is impossible. See to your tasks here and now, for there is mayhem on the Day of Judgment. Draw your water from here, for there is much tumult and mischief out in the sea
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Media ID 19624066
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
1526 1756 And Ink On Paper Mughal Court Mughal Dynasty Opaque Watercolour
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This print showcases a remarkable page from the Late Shah Jahan Album, featuring exquisite calligraphy framed by an ornamental border adorned with poppies and pairs of birds. Created around 1653, this artwork exemplifies the profound reverence Mughal patrons held for the art of calligraphy over figural painting. Though unsigned, the masterful lines on this page are excerpts from a didactic ode composed by Amir Khusrau, also known as the "Parrot of India" a highly esteemed Persian language author in India during the 13th and 14th centuries. The text itself imparts profound wisdom: it warns that those who covet wealth, regardless of their social status, are destined for hell; just like aloe-wood and dung turn to ash when thrown into fire. It emphasizes that refining one's mind is essential to grasp sophisticated thoughts and compares lifting up the feet of a mountain to be as impossible as controlling wild winds. The message concludes with an urgent reminder to focus on present tasks amidst chaos since there will be mayhem on Judgment Day. Drawing water from here symbolizes seeking stability amid tumultuous seas. Treated like a precious jewel set in gold and floral arabesques, this stunning work encapsulates both artistic mastery and philosophical depth. Its beauty lies not only in its visual appeal but also in its ability to inspire contemplation about life's transient nature and our pursuit of true meaning beyond material possessions.
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