Calligraphie montée en page d'album, par Mirza Ghulam Reza Isfahani (Khosh-nevis Bashi), Iran, art qajar, datée 1260H./1843

encre, gouache et or sur papier collé sur une page cartonnée, 2 vers de poésie persane en nasta'liq, en réserve dans des nuages sur un fond or garni de rinceaux, et bleu à motifs floraux

Mirza Ghulam Reza Isfahani (d. 1886-87), known as Khosh-nevis Bashi was one of the most famous calligraphers of the Qajar period. His calligraphic skills came to the attention of Muhammad Shah Qajar (r. 1834-48), who appointed him as teacher to the royal princes. Ghulam Reza produced a large number of album pages. Many examples of his works exist in museums and libraries throughout Iran (Muraqqa' Ranguin, Muntakhab az Asar Nevis Khoshnevissan Bozorg Iran, vol.II, Enjeman Khoshnevissan, Iran, pp. 45-52). The Khalili Collection includes 17 examples (N. S. Safwat, The Art of Pen, Azimuth Edition and Oxford University, London, 1996, p. 36 and p. 181 ; M. Bayani, Ahval va-Asar-e Khoshnevisan, vol.II, Tehran, 1988, pp. 550-556, no.735). For a calligraphic panel recently sold at auction, see : Christie's London, 26 April 2012, lot 38.