A calligraphic panel by Mirza Ibrahim, 1863/4

Source: http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/search/LOTDETAIL.ASP?sid=&intObjectID=4272411&SE=CMWCAT03+656767+%2D754100187+&QR=M+1+0+Aqc0000900+624932++Aqc0000900+&entry=india&SU=1&RQ=True&AN=1
(downloaded Apr. 2004)

"CALLIGRAPHIC PANEL BY MIRZA IBRAHIM, AH 1280/1863-4 AD. Black ink and gouache on card, the single phrase ana madinat al-'ilm wa 'Ali babha written in nasta'liq, the letters filed with small drawings of the twelve Imams, the Prophet riding on buraq, Jacob and Isaac, the court of King Solomon, Yusuf and other heroes of Iranian literature, one of the angels bearing a tablet signed Mirza Ibrahim and dated 1280. Folio 19¾ x 28½in. (50.3 x 72.5cm.)

Lot Notes: The phrase means: I am the city of knowledge and 'Ali is its gate."