Masters Of Persian Calligraphy

A detail image of a painted calligraphic artwork.

Iran is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world. The first Persian Empire, the Achaemenid Empire, was founded by Cyrus the Great is 550 BC. Iranian calligraphy is the art of decorative handwriting or lettering in the Persian language, which is written from right to left. Persian calligraphy in the present form was regularized more than 500 years ago using the Persian alphabet of 32 letters. Artists use reed pen and ink for creating their works.

There are 300 masters in the Iranian Calligraphers Association established 1950, who teach Persian calligraphy to more than 50,000 students at 309 branches in the 31 provinces of Iran. The Iranian Calligraphers Association has 6 branches in foreign countries including Canada, Germany, England, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, and the Philippines. After taking and passing different exams, students are ranked in six categories: elementary, intermediate, good, excellent, distinguished, and brilliant. After training students from lower categories, brilliant Calligraphers will achieve the highest title: Master of Persian Calligraphy. Usually it takes more than 20 years to become a Master in Persian Calligraphy.

Persian poems are the main subject of calligraphy. Students learn five different styles: Taliq, Nastaliq, Shekasteh Nastaliq, Naskh, and Thuluth. The most popular styles in Iran are Nastaliq and Shekasteh Nastaliq. For writing Quran verses, Naskh and Thuluth are the main styles. In this exhibition, you will see 30 works from 28 Masters. Styles used in these works are Nastaliq, Shekasteh Nastaliq, Naskh, and Calligraphy & Painting.

A calligraphic artwork composed in a tall rectangle with stacked lines of script each swooping diagonally on an intricate background of botanical elements.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

Patience and victory are old friends
After patience, comes victory

Calligrapher: Mr. Ali Ashraf Sandoghabadi
Date: 2016
Style: Siyah Mashq – Nastaliq
Comment: Poem by Persian poet, Hafez (1315-1390)

A work of Persian calligraphy, ornately formatted in blue and gold.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

There is nothing better than honesty
However, honest people are rare
Don’t do anything, unless it is through honesty
If are you honest, you with be prosperous

Calligrapher: Mr. Ali Ahmad Shafiyiha
Date: 2017
Style: Nastaliq
Comment: Persian poem

A work of Persian calligraphy within an intricate illustrated frame with blue medallions at corners.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

This is a promise for you that judgement day is coming

Calligrapher: Mr. Shokrollah Boroumand
Date: 2017
Style: Siyah Mashq – Nastaliq
Comment: Persian poem

Persian calligraphy written diagonally above a watercolor of a flowering tree at sunrise/set.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

My heart is intentionally trapped in your hair
Kill it with your charm, it is what my heart deserves
A flower doesn’t need perfume for its pleasant fragrance
A flower’s fragrance comes from its coat (petals)

Calligrapher: Mr. Shahdoust Haddad
Date: 2001
Style: Nastaliq
Comment: Poem by Persian poet, Hafez (1315-1390)

A work of Persian calligraphy, the script is abstract and dispersed but contained with a dense, ornate series of frames and decorative floral elements.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

Bring your ax and arrow to the old blacksmith
Tell him to sharpen the arrow, then ask him to make the ax sharper than the arrow


Comment: This is a Persian tongue twister. Example in English: Can you can a can as a canner can can a can?

Calligrapher: Mr. Mohammad Sadegh Ahadpour
Date: 2017
Style: Nastaliq
Comment: Persian poem

A work of Persian calligraphy made to look like a mosaic with small, square "tiles" in the border and more free-form "mosaic" tiles around the script.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

God Almighty, sculptor of hearts and minds
Who manages the nights and the days
Who has the power of transformation
Change our lives for the best

Calligrapher: Mr. Rahim Nazarzadeh
Date: 2017
Style: Calligraphy + Painting
Comment: This is a prayer for the new year

A work of Persian calligraphy with black script within a white field inside a golden border with a further border of delicate blue florals.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

Hafez, who didn’t listen to advice, was killed by your charm
Someone who doesn’t listen to wise words deserves to be killed

Calligrapher: Mr. Gholam Reza Sepehri
Date: 2017
Style: Shekasteh Nastaliq
Comment: Poem by Persian poet, Hafez (1315-1390)

Black script within a white field inside nested frames of intricate floral and geometric designs in blue, black, and gold.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

A human being is like a beautiful cup that wisdom praises
Sending a hundred kisses of love
The world’s potter (God) makes this fragile cup
And then breaks it

Calligrapher: Mr. Mojtaba Malekzadeh
Date: 2014
Style: Shekasteh Nastaliq
Comment: Poem by Persian mathematician, astronomer, and poet, Omar Khayyam (1048-1131)

Caligraphic script in black with in intricate white florals - it blends in with the field of curling, intricate red florals it sits within.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

This too shall pass

Calligrapher: Mr. Pouria Khakpour
Date: 2017
Style: Nastaliq
Comment: Poem by Persian poet, Sanai (1080-1131)

Persian calligraphy, script is large and in a deep, earthy red and is surrounded by whirls of florals. An intricate medallion decorates the top center.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

Reaching you is the essence of joy

Calligrapher: Mr. Asgar Mohammadi Tabar
Date: 2007
Style: Nastaliq
Comment: Poem by Persian poet and Sufi, Rumi (1207-1273)

Persian calligraphy, a significant amount of script, small and delicate, set within nested frames of florals and geometric designs.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

Allah! There is no god but He, the Living, the Self-Subsisting, the Eternal. No slumber can seize Him, nor sleep. All things in heaven and on earth belong to Him. Who can intercede in His presence except as He permits? He knows what is before or after or behind them. No one can encompass His knowledge except as He wills. His throne extends over the heavens and on earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. He is the Highest, the Supreme. (Surah Baqara, Ayah 255, Quran)

Calligrapher: Mrs. Maryam Eliasy
Date: 2018
Style: Shekasteh Nastaliq
Comment: Surah Baqara, Ayah 255, Quran

Persian calligraphic work, simple, bold script in rich red within a field of intricate florals and a frame of geometric designs flanked by more florals, themes of green and gold.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

in the name of God, the compassionate the merciful

Calligrapher: Mr. Yadegar Khayyam
Date: 2017
Style: Nastaliq
Comment: First Ayah in every Surah of Quran

A work of Persian calligraphy, relatively simple, text presented large in the center, nested frames of various shades of red, mauve, and gold, and with corner decorations of florals in gold and navy blue.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

Wise man! There is no benefit in your advice because no one is here to listen to you (no one can understand you).

Calligrapher: Mr. Aref Barati
Date: 2017
Style: Nastaliq
Comment: Poem by Persian epic poet, Ferdowsi (940-1020)

Persian calligraphy, script is densely-presented and runs in multiple directions to create a geometric shape.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. His Light (in the universe) may be likened to a niche wherein there is a lamp, and the lamp is in the crystal, which shines in star-like brilliance. It is lit from (the oil) of a blessed olive tree that is neither eastern nor western. Its oil well nigh glows forth (of itself) although no fire has touched it: Light upon Light. Allah guides to His Light whom He wills. Allah sets forth parables to make people understand. Allah knows everything. (Surah Noor, Ayah 35, Quran)

Calligrapher: Mr. Ali Reza Bakhshi
Date: 2017
Style: Naskh
Comment: Surah Noor, Ayah 35, Quran

Persian calligraphy presented as large script central to layers of small, intricate, floral elements.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

It’s loving time

Calligrapher: Mr. Bahman Panahi
Date: 2014
Style: Nastaliq
Comment: Poem by Persian poet, Saadi Shirazi (1210-1292)

Persian calligraphy, dense and overlapping, presented diagonally within flanking frames of floral elements.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

Praise the glory of his innocent face
Praise his eternal fragrance
Praise his beautiful face and character
Praise the last prophet, Muhammad, and his family

Calligrapher: Mr. Mirheydar Mousavi
Date: 2016
Style: Siyah Masq – Nastaliq
Comment: Persian poem

Persian calligraphy presented on a marbled golden background with ornate elements of birds and a smaller script element in a cartouche below.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

Not everyone can do true Sama
Not every bird can eat a fig

Comment: Sama is a Sufi ceremony. These rituals often include singing, playing instruments, dancing, recitation of poetry and prayers, wearing symbolic attire, and other rituals. It is a form of worship in Sufism.

Calligrapher: Mr. Gholam Hosain Amirkhani
Date: 2014
Style: Nastaliq
Comment: Poem by Persian poet and Sufi, Rumi (1207-1273)

Persian calligraphy, extremely dense and overlapping script with decorative element to right and flanked by floral margins.

Calligrapher: Mr. Mohammad Ali Gorjestani
Date: 2017
Style: Siyah Mashq – Nastaliq

Persian calligraphy, formatted diagonally on white field with delicate florals surrounded by golden field with florals.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

He is great because of his perfection
Through his beauty, he dispels the darkness
All of his attributes are good
Praise him and his family

Calligrapher: Mr. Amir Nowrouzi
Date: 2015
Style: Siyah Mashq – Nastaliq
Comment: Poem by Persian poet, Saadi Shirazi (1210-1292)

Persian calligraphy, script is stacked vertically with a detailed golden background just along the right side of the text.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

Every single moment of watching you increases my pain of love

Calligrapher: Mr. Ali Ganji
Date: 2017
Style: Nastaliq
Comment: Poem by Persian poet, Hafez (1315-1390)

Persian calligraphy, the same text in blue/green and black creating the illusion of a shadow on a background that looks like spray painted corrugated cardboard.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

If I can’t reach you
I will embrace my wish to reach you

Calligrapher: Mr. Hadi Labbaf
Date: 2018
Style: Calligraphy + Painting
Comment: Poem by Persian poet, Hazin Lahiji (1692-1766)

Persian calligraphy, stacked script creating a repetitive pattern. Detailed yellow background with scattered blue medallions.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

My friend! Let’s not worry about tomorrow
Let’s enjoy this moment of life
Tomorrow, when we leave this temporary world
We will be equal to the people who lived here seven thousand years ago

Calligrapher: Mr. Mohammad Salahshour
Date: 2009
Style: Siyah Mashq – Nastaliq
Comment: Poem by Persian mathematician, astronomer, and poet, Omar Khayyam (1048-1131)

Persian calligraphy, two lines of script within a blue and gold border and a field of florals on pale gold.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

My root is from Ali
My wine comes from Ali’s cup

Calligrapher: Mr. Afshin Abuali
Date: 2018
Style: Nastaliq
Comment: Poem by Persian poet, Ibn Hesam Khosfi (1381-1471)

Persian calligraphy, script displayed diagonally in speckled cream field surrounded by gold field with florals and again in a royal blue field with florals.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

Oh! See who wants to kill me with brutality
He is the one I believed without a doubt

Calligrapher: Mr. Mojtaba Sabzeh
Date: 2014
Style: Nastaliq
Comment: Poem by Persian poet, Ahmad Shamlou (1926-2000)

Persian calligraphy, two stacked lines of script within nested borders of intricate calligraphy with gold and navy blue elements.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

Hold firmly to the rope of Allah, do it together and do not become divided (Surah Ale Imran, Ayah 103, Quran)

Calligrapher: Mrs. Azhar Shoraka
Date: 2017
Style: Nastaliq
Comment: Surah Ale Imran, Ayah 103, Quran

Persian calligraphy, script presented diagonally with areas of gold or blue field and floral elements.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

Your lips are like rubies
They are famous for being beautiful
Your eyes are black
They are famous for invading souls
The story of your hair is so long
Your hair is like Yalda
It is famous for being long

Comment: Yalda is an Iranian festival celebrated on the longest and darkest night of the year (night of December 20/21) which is winter solstice.

Calligrapher: Mr. Esmaeel Nikbakht Zavieh
Date: 2008
Style: Nastaliq
Comment: Poem by Persian poet, Ubahd Zakani (1300-1371)

Persian calligraphy, red border, grayish blue field, script presented with each element diagonally stretched. Very intricate decorative elements throughout.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

A man who detects people’s faults is not a wise man.
(A wise man covers people’s faults).

Calligrapher: Mr. Gholam Reza Sepehri
Date: 2017
Style: Shekasteh Nastaliq
Comment: Poem by Persian poet, Hafez (1315-1390)

Persian calligraphy, presented in two panels. Top displays large script in shape of flower bud, bottom with multiple lines of script presented diagonally. Both within decorative elements of florals and geometric borders.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

Go and learn about the true spiritual meaning of life
Your soul helps you to go up
It is like wings on your body
Be in touch with the people who know about the spiritual life
Then you will find both happiness and prosperity
A soul without a spiritual life
Is like a wooden sword in a case
Inside the case, the wooden sword is valuable
But outside the case, it is just useful for burning
Don’t use a wooden sword in battle
Otherwise you will lose the fight

Calligrapher: Mr. Reza Karamatlou
Date: 2018
Style: Nastaliq
Comment: Poem by Persian poet and Sufi, Rumi (1207-1273)

Persian calligraphy, a single line in black ink on a vibrant orange field surrounded with gold and blue florals within nested intricate borders.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

I don’t know how much time I have left to live

Calligrapher: Mr. Koroush Mozaffarbeigi
Date: 2017
Style: Nastaliq
Comment: Poem by Persian mathematician, astronomer, and poet, Omar Khayyam (1048-1131)

Persian calligraphy, presented diagonally within a salmon colored field inside a gold field with areas of floral details on navy blue.
Arabic script displayed simply on a colored background to clarify the words presented in the calligraphic work.

Coming toward you is delightful
The way doesn’t matter
Joining you is delightful
The direction doesn’t matter
Watching you is pleasant
The eye doesn’t matter
Calling you is delightful
The tongue doesn’t matter

Calligrapher: Mr. Amir Abbas Towfigh
Date: 2016
Style: Nastaliq
Comment: Poem by Persian poet and Sufi, Abu Saeed Abolkheir (967-1049)

     

Decorative element made with lines of Arabic script. No translation provided.