Practice Calligraphy (Siah Mashkh)

This is a fine example of a practice sheet of islami. Difficult to decipher, the text contains phrases of Persian poetry expressing conventional sentiments about romantic suffering. The bold strokes of the calligraphy contrast with the delicate floral ornamentation that surrounds it. The work is unsigned, and the attribution to Firuz Mirza Nusrat al-Dawla I (Firouz Mirza Nosret-ed-Dowleh I) comes from the donor, Afsaneh Firouz-Ardalan. The donor, who served as Calderwood Intern at HUAM during the years 2001 - 2003, is a descendant of the artist.