Ahmad - Diwan - 1791

A fine Diwan mounted miniature manuscript (adjoining pages) from the most famous Sufi poet, Hafez dated 1791. The pages are in very good condition with no signs of damage and little wear. Written in fine black nasta'liq, this is a good example of the finer editions of the Diwan, with a very attractive layout of red and blue cartouches dividing the folio. Each page is the same dimension as described. It was scribed by 'Ahmad' in AH1205 (AD 1791). The poems in the Diwan are often leaned by heart and used as proverbs: its themes of the beloved faith, and exposing hypocrisy make it a cultural touchstone for many in the region.

Each page is laid out in classical multi-panelled format framed by a rich crimson and gold-leaf border with stylised palmetto motifs in blue and gold - hallmarks of the late C18th Indo-Persian manuscript production.

The left page appears to contain ghazals meditating on love, separation and the intoxication of divine ecstasy - Hafez's signature Sufi metaphors. The right page includes verses referencing Hafez by name, typical of a closing couplet, alongside reflections on fate, the beloved and the transience of worldly beauty.

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.