Muhammed Ali

The Poet Hafiz with Entertainers

Maker

Muhammed Ali (Persian, 16th century)

Title

The Poet Hafiz with Entertainers

Period

Safavid

Year

1700s

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

watercolor, gold

Supports

Geography

Origin: Iran

Dimensions

18.7 x 10.5 cm (7 3/8 x 4 1/8 inches)

Signature / Inscription / Marks

Inscribed number verso, center in pencil: 739

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Museum Appropriation Fund

Object Number

17.432

Type

Exhibition History

Text, Paratext, and Images
Sep 01, 2020 – Jul 24, 2021

Label copy

These depictions of Asian poets reflect the connection between writers and their texts, visualized here through deliberate use of forms.

Portrayed at left is Khwaja Shams-ud-Din Mu?ammad ?afe?-e Shirazi (Hafiz), a Persian poet from the 1300s whose influence can be felt to this day. He is entertained by a swaying dancer and a musician playing a daf, a Persian frame drum. The figures’ curving forms capture the rhythm of music depicted in the scene. [17.432]

At right is Ono no Komachi, a celebrated Japanese poet who lived in the 800s. Her figure is formed by the cursive characters of her name. Written above is one of her poems, which echoes the calligraphic lines of her clothes. [20.1178]

Image use

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Public Domain This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Muhammed Ali (Persian, 16th century)
The Poet Hafiz with Entertainers, 1700s
Opaque watercolor and gold on paper
18.7 x 10.5 cm (7 3/8 x 4 1/8 inches)
Museum Appropriation Fund 17.432

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