A SINGLE PANEL OF TA’LIQ CALLIGRAPHY
Safavid Iran, 17th century

Persian manuscript on paper, with 4ll. of black ink convoluted ta'liq script on illuminated paper, the lines separated by gilt scrolling vegetal meanders, the text set against gold cloud-bands within rectangular cartouches, featuring three library stamps, within gold and black rules, and navy, pink, and blue borders, framed and glazed, the text panel 17.5cm x 11.5cm, 24cm x 17.8cm including the frame.

Ta'liq (lit. 'hanging, suspended') is a cursive calligraphic style developed in Iran in the 10th century to specifically meet the needs of the Persian language. Its iconic rounded forms and exaggerated horizontal strokes together with its ornate and sloping qualities were primarily derived from the riqāʿ and tawqīʿ scripts. Taʿlīq was widely used for royal as well as daily correspondence until the 14th century, when it was then replaced by nasta'liq (Encyclopaedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/topic/taliq-script, last accessed: 19/03/2023).