Collection of texts written by Khwaja Ikhtiyar al-Munshi in Shikasteh taliq
Iran; 16th century
Each leaf: 18 × 12 cm
Inventory number 29/2009
The one-eyed al-Munshi (died 1566/1567) has gone down in history as one of the most brilliant calligraphers to work in the Shikasteh taliq style, which can be seen on this spread, executed with great mastery. The script is distinguished by soft curves in a diagonal, rocking movement, in which the words on each of the different-colored lines is pressed upward and to the left.
Al-Munshi, which means secretary in Persian, was the epithet that the calligrapher used to sign his work. He was born in Herat, where he served for a number of years as secretary to Sultan Khudabanda, governor of Khurasan. He later worked for 30 years for the Safavid Shah Tahmasp in Tabriz.
Al-Munshi, which means secretary in Persian, was the epithet that the calligrapher used to sign his work. He was born in Herat, where he served for a number of years as secretary to Sultan Khudabanda, governor of Khurasan. He later worked for 30 years for the Safavid Shah Tahmasp in Tabriz.
