April-May, 2002
Art of the Book Installation
The art of bookmaking is extraordinarily important throughout Islamic countries, and calligraphy remains the preeminent art form. The Koran—the Muslim holy book—gives the art of writing a special place. Over the centuries, many styles of Arabic calligraphy evolved for special use in the Koran. Calligraphers, discouraged from using images from nature, elaborately decorated their books' margins with nonrepresentational motifs.
Islamic books are read from right to left and books are hinged on the right side. Calligraphy was written on parchment until paper was introduced from China in the eighth century. Paper was cheaper and had a considerable effect on the shape of books and the evolution of writing. Calligraphers used reed pens with nibs that were trimmed to the best shape for creating the desired calligraphic style. Each style required a a nib with a different shape.
In India, calligraphy was elevated as an art form with the arrival of the Muslims. This work is a page from an album. The date, in the center, indicates it was completed in 1193 according to the Islamic lunar calendar.
Last Updated: 9/26/2022