Unknown - Hafez-Diwan - 1675

A bi-folio copied from the Dewan written by Mohammed Shama od-din Hafez (1329-1399), and in fair condition, although with some staining to the upper right folio above the header and some margin repair on the reverse. It is of Kashmiri origin dating back to approximately to 1675.

It is written in elegant nasta'liq in black ink, arranged in the classic 'chahar situn' (four column) format, with verses set in alternating vertical registers separated by gilded rules. It is on burnished gold paper. The illuminated cartouches with polychrome floral ornaments mark sectional headings or ghazal openings. The left folio themes include spiritual intoxication, the paradox of cruelty and mercy, dust and the grave, and wry resignation where the poet accepts his imperfections while trusting in divine mercy. The right folio thematics are: the mirror of the heart; secrets that cannot be spoken; zephyr (the wind) as a messenger for lovers; and weeping and laughter as the ecstatic state of 'Hal' in Sufi experience.

The Dewan, which expresses Sufi ideals in lyrics, was written by Mohammed Shama od-din Hafez (1329-1399), 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.

Please note that shipping costs are not solely the cost of the postal delivery service itself. Included within the shipping price is the work undertaken to prepare the article, for photography, for uploading to Catawiki, for preparation and packaging the article securely and for transporting the article to the postal delivery agent for processing.

Also, please consider when bidding on this lot that this artwork is shipped from the UK. Import duties will now have to be paid by the recipient to the Postal Service when the parcel arrives in your country. This will likely vary between 5% and 20% of the sale price depending on your country's Import Rate, so please check this if you are concerned. This is a Tax collected on behalf of your Government and is not an additional fee charged by us.