Kashmiri - Illustrated Prayer Manuscript - 1780

A breathtaking example of a late C18th Kashmiri illuminated miniature prayer manuscript in very good condition. The manuscript dazzles with its intricate lattice of gold, cobalt blue and blush floral borders framing densely layered nasta'liq calligraphy. The text appears to render verses of Quranic supplication or devotional poetry - blessings and divine invocation. Crowning the composition is a gilded scalloped shams (sun-medallion) symbolising divine radiance and cosmic order, traditionally marking sacred openings. This is a work of exceptional refinement and spiritual attention.

This is likely to have been a travelling prayer book because of its small size which makes the condition more remarkable.

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