Mirza Mohammad Seifi Qazwini, also known as Emadolkottab (1861-1936), was a master calligrapher of Nasta’liq in the late Qajar period. Because of his membership in a terrorist group “Komiteye Mojazat – punishment committee” and writing the group’s unsigned leaflets, he was arrested and spent five years of his life in prison.
His calligraphy writing exercises during his imprisonment encompasses a wide variety of subjects, from Saadi Shirazi’s social and moral thoughts to Imam Ali’s letter to Malik Ashtar; from quotes from Tolstoy to writing down his own dreams. Emadolkottab was released from prison in 1921 at age 60.
Emadolkottab writes about his dream
A description of his feelings in prison
“…Praise to god who made the creatures of this land so stupid and ignorant…”
Quotations from Leo Tolstoy
Imam Ali’s letter to his governor Malek Ashtar
Emadolkottab’s story of his imprisonment
Part of Emadolkottab’s daily notes in prison
Description of life in prison
Emadolkottab asks for help from the spirits of the legendary calligraphers Mir-Emad and Kalhor
Description of prison life in the 23rd month
Description of prison life after one year and seven days
Description of prison life in one of the earlier pieces
Notes to the fellow Iranians
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