Mohammad Ehsai, Iranian Calligrapher

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Calligraphy is an art that Muslims have brought to perfection over the centuries. The sacred words are represented with a sense of the curve that gives them a remarkable artistic impact, since the illuminated Koran pages from the first century of the Hegira to the gigantic contemporary artworks.

Mohammad Ehsai is a user of very large formats, and one of the main participants in the revival of the calligraphic art. He turns 70 this year, but his top auction results have focused on very recent works (2007 and 2008), showing him a bit like a new movement leader.

The current calligraphers know how to depart from the strict letter, to exploit the beauty of line. See the oil on canvas, also made in 2008, entitled Afarinesh (Creation) that Sotheby's will sell in Doha on March 18. Leaving aside the gigantism of the work, 204 x 394 cm, we imagine viewing a nice drawing of entangled sinuosities in black ink.

The estimate, 300 KUS$, is prudent. Some works by this artist have achieved much higher price last year. The contemporary Islamic art market is changing, as I showed last October in an article where I waited for Zenderoudi beautiful results that eventually did not come. But it is so pleasant, because it shows that there is still a major part of passion in this area of contemporary art.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

The result is in line with the estimate: 360 KUS $ premium included. It's good, because it confirms the value of one of the most interesting artists in his category.