Unknown - Hafez-Diwan - 1820

A decorative miniature bi-folio of Kashmiri origin copied from the Divan written by Mohammed Shama od-din Hafez (1329-1399), and in fair condition. The Hafez-Diwan is a collection of poems by the 14th-century Persian poet Hafez, a Sufi Muslim who practised a mystical form of Islam. His name 'Hafez' was given to those Muslims who could recite the Holy Koran by heart. The poems explore themes of love (both earthly and divine), spirituality, hypocrisy, and the fleeting nature of life, often through celebrations of wine and intoxication. The Diwan is a cornerstone of Persian literature, with poems used in daily life for musical inspiration.

Written on burnished paper, it is scribed in elegant nasta'liq in black ink by a fine hand, and having beautiful floral borders and dividing columns accentuated with gold. Each of the 12 lines of scripture (divided by a floral column, are pillowed in gold clouds. The script is broken by a pair of floral motifs to the bottom left folio, adding to the attractiveness of the manuscript. There has been some repair to the manuscript left folio, shown on the reverse image above. The colours remain vibrant.

A taste of the script reads as, "Come and do not stop the tongue from speaking, but instead become stirred by the good thoughts of the scripture, to speak from the heart - a gift from God.

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