Esrafil Shirchi

Calligraphy (Khosh naveesee), like all forms of art that was introduced into Persia following foreign conquests, was enhanced and developed into a high art form. It was practised not only by professional calligraphers, but also by princes and noblemen. Under the Timurids and the Safavids, calligraphy experienced perhaps its most brilliant development. It was regarded as an expression of man's spiritual state; for 'purity of writing proceeds from purity of heart' (Sultan Ali Mashhadi); therefore the calligrapher had to undergo observances similar to those of the holy person. In addition, the subject matter had to be of sufficiently noble content.

As recently as the 1960s, calligraphy was regularly taught in Iranian schools, using bamboo sticks to create intricate designs. The art was no longer practised after this period, and only a few people now maintain this intricate art form. Esrafil Shirchi is one of Iran's best -- and best-known -- master calligraphers, and his works are prized by collectors around the world.

Dimensions: 13.5"  x 9.25" (35 cm x 24 cm), including a beige border around each print (border size varies).   $35.00 per print.

The prints shown on this page are gathered in a collection titled "Ring of Love." Shirchi was inspired to create each of these masterpieces because of poetry; each poet's name is shown below the respective print. This is a vintage set, long out of print. There is a little minor wear around the edges, but this does not detract from the main image and will not show if the prints are properly matted and framed.

Click on an image to see an enlarged view. The artist's signature is visible on each print.
Hafez Q2 Hafez Q1 Omar Khayyam Q1 Fereidoon Moshiri Q2
Item ES2 Item ES3 Item ES4 Item ES5
Nizami Q2 Roudaki Q2 Rumi Q2 Sohrab Sepehri Q2
Item ES6 Item ES7 Item ES8 Item ES9
   
Nima Youshij Q2     Forough Farrokhzad Q0 $35.00
Item ES10     Item ES1 Out of Stock