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Nas-Ta’liq Quatrain Signed Raif Ali Bursawi.
Ottoman Empire
18th Century
19.8×13 cm.
As his nisba Bursawi indicates the calligrapher Raif Ali was from the city of Bursa. He was active in the first half of the 18th century. The specimen in hand with its rich and vivid illumination displays the decorative repertoire favoured among Ottoman illuminators during this period. The text is an Ottoman Turkish quatrain which addresses an unnamed ruler or dignitary.
The poem reads:
“Garib-i binevayim, hep inayet sendedir shaha!
N’ola mazhar kilarsan bendeni lutf-i firavana.
Vucudum bahr-i cudundan egerci katredir naciz,
Aceb mi ergorursen katremi derya-i ummana.”
Translation:
“I am poor and helpless, all benevolence is from you, Oh King!
What if you bestowed endless graces to your humble slave.
My existence is just a little drop from your sea of generosity,
I wouldn’t be surprised if you saw fit this little drop for a vast ocean.”
The BADA Standard
- Since 1918, BADA has been the leading association for the antiques and fine art trade
- Members are elected for their knowledge, integrity and quality of stock
- Our clients are protected by BADA’s code of conduct
- Our dealers’ membership is reviewed and renewed annually
- Bada.org is a non-profit site: clients deal directly with members and they pay no hidden fees
