Exercice calligraphique meşk, Ottoman Turkey, 19th century, - Lot 107

Exercice calligraphique meşk, Ottoman Turkey, 19th century, signed Muhammad Shafiq Calligraphy on paper in black ink in thuluth and nashki Arabic, counting words and letters arranged in various directions and sizes with their sizing and ductus marks. The calligraphy is punctuated by floral motifs and starry medallions illuminated in gold and polychrome. Mounted as an album page on card stock with a slightly bluish border and orange margin. Framed. Sight calligraphy size: 17.8 x 12.4 cm; frame size: 31 x 25.4 cm Small ink stains, central fold, traces of mounting and pencilling in the margin. Calligraphic exercises, known in the Ottoman world as meşk or karamala, enabled the calligrapher to work on his practice and experiment with new writing styles. When signed and illuminated like this one, these learning aids are appreciated as true works of art in their own right, and are often collected in albums. Mehmet Şefiq (1819 - 1879) was an important Ottoman calligrapher. Born in Istanbul's Besiktas district, this former pupil of Mustafa 'Izzet taught calligraphy at the Royal Conservatory. He is particularly well known for his educational works, and his name is also associated with monumental inscriptions. Several of his calligraphic works on paper are preserved in international institutions, such as a levha at the Metropolitan Museum in New York (2005.252) and a manuscript dated 1852 at the Library of Congress in Washington (2021667605). Expert : Camille CELIER