Description:

 SADEQUAIN (1930–1987) – QUR’ANIC CALLIGRAPHY
Watercolour on paper, Surah Al-An’am (Verses 1–3)
Gifted from the artist to Chaudhry Altaf Hussain, Ex-Governor of Punjab

Description:
A striking original calligraphic painting by Sadequain, the celebrated Pakistani modernist known for revitalizing the art of Islamic calligraphy with modern expressionist aesthetics. This large horizontal canvas features verses 1–3 of Surah Al-An’am, rendered in black oil on a rich turquoise background with bold thuluth and square kufic elements. The painting exudes movement and rhythm through the feathered, almost flame-like flourishes enveloping the central inscription.

Sadequain’s innovative approach merged classical Arabic script with contemporary art sensibilities. His works are deeply spiritual yet modernist, capturing the metaphysical power of Qur’anic revelation through visual intensity.

This piece holds notable provenance, having been gifted by Sadequain to Chaudhry Altaf Hussain, an influential politician and 19th Governor of Punjab (1993–1995). Hussain also served as a Member of the National Assembly in the 1950s and early 1990s. The painting has remained in the family since.

Dimensions:
Length: 160 cm
Width: 35 cm

Provenance:

  • Gifted by the artist to Chaudhry Altaf Hussain, former Governor of Punjab

  • Thence by descent

Comparable Examples:

  • A similar Sadequain Qur’anic calligraphy from the 1970s sold at Bonhams, London (2016) for £115,000

  • Another calligraphy from the "Lines of Divine Revelation" series is held in the Lahore Museum, exhibiting a comparable style and scale

  • Sadequain murals and calligraphies also grace institutions such as Frere Hall, State Bank of Pakistan, and the Lahore High Court

Note:
This rare Qur’anic canvas is a quintessential work by Sadequain, combining spiritual reverence with artistic mastery. The powerful script, historical provenance, and monumental scale position it as an exceptional collector’s item within both Islamic calligraphy and South Asian modern art markets

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May 6, 2025 1:00 PM BST
London, United Kingdom

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