Sultan Ali Mashhadi Collection

Allusion to Sura 27: 16, Folio from a Mantiq al-tair (Language of the Birds), A. H. 892 / A. D
Allusion to Sura 27:16, Folio from a Mantiq al-tair (Language of the Birds), A.H. 892/A.D. 1486

Portrait of Rup Singh, Folio from the Shah Jahan Album, verso: ca. 1615-20; recto: ca. 1500

Page of Calligraphy from an Anthology of Poetry by Sa di and Hafiz, late 15th century

Illuminated Folio from a Gulistan (Rose Garden) of Sadi... c. 1475-1500, borders added c
Illuminated Folio from a Gulistan (Rose Garden) of Sadi (c. 1213-1291), c. 1475-1500, borders added c. 1550. The Gulistan, completed around 1258

Illuminated Folio from a Gulistan (Rose Garden) of Sadi (c. 1213-1291), c. 1525-30. The Gulistan, completed around 1258, is one of the most celebrated works of Persian literature

Illuminated Folio (verso) from a Gulistan (Rose Garden) of Sadi (c. 1213-1291), c. 1525-30. The Gulistan, completed around 1258, is one of the most celebrated works of Persian literature

Illuminated Folio (recto) from a Gulistan (Rose Garden) of Sadi... c. 1475-1500, borders added c
Illuminated Folio (recto) from a Gulistan (Rose Garden) of Sadi (c. 1213-1291), c. 1475-1500, borders added c. 1550. The Gulistan, completed around 1258

Illuminated Folio Gulistan Rose Garden Sa di
Illuminated Folio from a Gulistan (Rose Garden) of Sa di (c. 1213-1291). Style of Sultan Muhammad (Iranian), style of Sultan Ali Mashhadi (Persian, 1430-1520)

Illuminated Folio verso Gulistan Rose Garden
Illuminated Folio (verso) from a Gulistan (Rose Garden) of Sa di (c. 1213-1291), c. 1525-30. Style of Sultan Muhammad (Iranian), style of Sultan Ali Mashhadi (Persian, 1430-1520)

Illuminated Folio recto Gulistan Rose Garden
Illuminated Folio (recto) from a Gulistan (Rose Garden) of Sa di (c. 1213-1291), c. 1475-1500, borders added c. 1550. Calligraphy by Sultan Ali Mashhadi (Iranian, 1520)

recto: "Portrait of Prince Danyal", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album, recto: late 16th century; verso: ca. 1500

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"Sultan Ali Mashhadi: A Legacy of Art, Literature, and Spiritual Reflection" Sultan Ali Mashhadi was a man whose life embodied the richness of art, literature, and spiritual contemplation. His funeral procession was a solemn affair, with mourners paying tribute to his profound impact on the cultural landscape. One cannot speak without mentioning his deep appreciation for Persian poetry. Folio 35r from a Mantiq al-tair (Language of the Birds) serves as an allusion to Sura 27:16, showcasing his love for mystical verses that delve into the secrets of existence. In addition to being an avid patron of poetry, Sultan Ali Mashhadi had an eye for portraiture. The portrait of Rup Singh found in the Shah Jahan Album is evidence of his admiration for capturing human expressions and emotions through brushstrokes. But it was calligraphy that truly captured Sultan Ali Mashhadi's heart. Pages from anthologies by Sa di and Hafiz adorned with intricate lettering showcased his dedication to preserving the beauty of written words. These late 15th-century masterpieces were testaments to his reverence for both poets' works. The Gulistan (Rose Garden) illuminated folios further exemplify Sultan Ali Mashhadi's devotion to aesthetics. Whether it be c. 1475-1500 or c. 1525-30 editions, these vibrant pages transported readers into a world where nature intertwined seamlessly with poetic musings. As we reflect upon Sultan Ali Mashhadi's life and legacy, we are reminded not only of his passion but also how he sought to bridge different artistic realms together. From funerals processions honoring him as he embarked on his final journey to pages filled with captivating calligraphy - each hint represents a facet that made him who he was: a connoisseur who celebrated creativity in its various forms.