Unknown - Hafez-Diwan - 1708

A fine Persian Diwan manuscript page from the most famous Sufi poet, Hafez dated AH120, which translates to 1708/9. The folio is in good condition with no signs of damage and little wear. The script is Persian poetry in black nasta'liq calligraphy, a cursive style common in Persian manuscript production. The upper columns carry Hafez's question and answer ghazal, "I said...he said..." with its closing couplet in a central panel flanked by two lapis-blue gilt floral panels. The lower panels open the celebrated ghazal satirising pulpit hypocrisy.

This is a good example of the finer editions of the Diwan of Hafiz, written in elegant black nasta'liq script on gold sprinkled paper, This would make a very fine addition to any collection of poetic manuscripts of Hafez.

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.

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