Levha (panel praising 'Ali)

Framed calligraphic inscription called a Levha, In Arabic. Written in Nasta'liq script in a Shi'i milieu, most likely in India during the 18th-19th centuries. 'Ali is described as the rightful Vice Regent of the Prophet Muhammad (i.e., Mustafa), a ruler of men and spirits, and a true manifestation of prophethood. This invocation to the son-in-law of the Prophet shows that the piece must have been produced in a Shi'i milieu, most likely in India during the 18th-19th centuries. The panel may have been included in an album of calligraphies or put on display on a wall. Dimensions of Written Surface: 33.4 (w) x 21 (h) cm This calligraphic panel is written in black nasta'liq on a brown surface and framed by two borders in plain green and blue decorated with gold stars. The inscription provides an invocation of 'Ali through his many epithets: Wali imam al-ins wa al-jinnah haqqan al-Mustafa / The Sucessor of the Leader of Humankind and Spirits, the Mustafa in Reality Script: nasta'liq 1-04-713.19.28