A calligraphic composition written in nasta'liq script, comprising two couplets from a ghazal of Amir Khusraw Dehlavi, signed by 'Imad al-Hasani, Persia, late 16th Century

Persian manuscript on paper, four lines of text written diagonally in nasta'liq script in black ink within cloudbands on a ground of floral motifs in colours and gold (perhaps later), laid down on an album page with gilt-decorated inner borders and a sky blue outer border
composition 160 x 80 mm.; album page 300 x 195 mm.

Provenance
The estate of a distinguished Iranian academic, California, USA.

'Imad al-Hasani known as Mir 'Imad, is the most famous nasta'liq calligraphers of the Safavid period, whose hand has since been a model for nasta'liq scribes. He was born in Qazvin, spent some time in Tabriz, travelled to the Ottoman lands as far as the Hijaz, visited Baghdad, Damascus and Aleppo and on his return settled in Isfahan, where he entered the court of Shah 'Abbas I. It is recorded that his fame and the Shah's particular fondness for Mir 'Imad, caused jealousy among other calligraphers and resulted in the rumour that he was a Sunni and his murder by the order of the Shah in AH 1024?AD 1615. Karimzadeh, in his book on Mir 'Imad, questions the above account and concludes that the widespread rumour of him being murdered by the order of the Shah was Ottoman propaganda against the Shia rulers of Persia.

Numerous examples of his hand are recorded and are dated between AH 972/AD 1564-65 and AH 1024/AD 1615. See Mehdi Bayani, ahval va asar-e khosh-nevisan, vol. II, Teheran, 1346 sh., pp. 518-38; M. A. Karimzadeh Tabrizi, The Life and Art of Mir Imad al-Hasani, London, 2001.

Important Notice to Buyers
Some countries e.g., the US, prohibit or restrict the purchase by its citizens (wherever located) and/or the import of certain types of Iranian-origin works. As a convenience to buyers, Bonhams has marked with the symbol R all lots of Iranian (Persian) origin. It is each buyer's responsibility to ensure that they do not bid or import a lot in contravention of the sanctions or trade embargoes that apply to them.
A number of examples of his work have been sold in these rooms: see Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art, 15th April 2010, lot 20; 14th June 2012, lot 115; 18th October 2016, lot 15.