Islamic Calligraphy
If you’re unfamiliar with Islamic calligraphy, then here’s a brief overview of some key points regarding this type of artwork.
Calligraphy is certainly a style of artwork which is particularly prominent throughout Islamic art. It is usually used as a method of incorporating parts of religious script, such as verses from the Qur’an, into a variety of different types of artwork. These would typically include coins and metalwork, but was also sometimes used in paintings and ceramics. The symbolic kufic and naskh scripts are also some of the most popular choices when it comes to inspiration for Islamic calligraphic design.
Islamic calligraphy is an inherent part of the Arabic cultural heritage. Its is also, for many Islamic artists, a way of represented God within their work, as they would never attempt to create an representation using images. Even for those who are not able to directly translate the Arabic language, the meanings much of this calligraphy is instantly recognisable. Similar to the way in which the signs and symbols at sites like Partypoker would be instantly understood by avid online gamers, the significance of such calligraphic designs would be clear. However, with lengthy proverbs and passages from the Qur’an, this might be more difficult.
Islamic calligraphy is also used figuratively, in what is known as calligrams. This usually involves interweaving Arabic words to create a variety of different shapes and styles. Although calligrams are often very attractive, they are not as well respected as examples of more traditional Islamic calligraphy, and ans so are less likely to be found in mosques.
In general, however, calligraphers are often regarded as having a higher status than other types of Islamic artists. Whilst, traditionally, calligraphy is carried out using a reed or bamboo qalam, the invention of paper has meant that other instruments may also be used effectively. Of course, this was not usually the case for Islamic calligraphy which is incorporated within items of pottery and metalwork.