The Art of Writing in Islamic Art
There are several unifying elements of Islamic art, of which calligraphy is one. The word for 'calligraphy' in Arabic is 'handast al-khatt' which can roughly be translated to 'the geometry of writing'. The straight and curved lines in this writing are always perfectly geometrically proportioned, so much so that they have become an artform which has transcended the centuries and can still be seen in contemporary works today.
In addition to it being an art form in its own right, Arabic calligraphy also decorates architectural sites and decorations - particularly those with religious orientation. It is a highly respected art form and one that many artists use to showcase their talents.
Safadi (1978) writes that:
Geometrical principles play a large part in the creation of calligraphy and the proportioning that letters are given. Khatibi and Sijelmassi (1996) note that 'the legibility of a text and the beauty of its line require rules of proportion' (p. 46). The alif is the first letter of the Arabic alphabet, and lays out the proportioning for the rest of them. The alif takes the form of a straight and vertical stroke and varies from three to two dots high and one dot wide (created by pressing the tip of a reed pen to paper.
The Development of Arabic Calligraphy
The Arabic alphabet developed itself from Aramaic script and then forked out into different styles.
Sources:
http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/calligraphy
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/00043125.2002.11651482?casa_token=uPnTXKZuu6UAAAAA:-B0ajbrqAgVpMhRytI982AKP70_5YmVxaU0Q0IfFbGJBX943fo4hUTD2RxaKyfFvA6ZXglbOh8lIxQ
There are several unifying elements of Islamic art, of which calligraphy is one. The word for 'calligraphy' in Arabic is 'handast al-khatt' which can roughly be translated to 'the geometry of writing'. The straight and curved lines in this writing are always perfectly geometrically proportioned, so much so that they have become an artform which has transcended the centuries and can still be seen in contemporary works today.
In addition to it being an art form in its own right, Arabic calligraphy also decorates architectural sites and decorations - particularly those with religious orientation. It is a highly respected art form and one that many artists use to showcase their talents.
Safadi (1978) writes that:
'The primacy of the word in Islam is reflected in the virtually universal application of calligraphy. Writing is given pride of place on all kinds of objects - objects of everyday use as well as entire wall surfaces, mosque furniture, the interiors and exteriors of mosques, tombs, and al-Kaaba, the most famous sanctuary of Islam.'Arabic calligraphy is often devoted to excerpts from the Qur'an, presenting the passages as a beautiful art form.
'Recite and you Lord is the Most Bounteous, He has taught the use of the pen. Taught man that which he knew not.' (Qur'an 96:1-5)Geometric proportion of Arabic Letters
Geometrical principles play a large part in the creation of calligraphy and the proportioning that letters are given. Khatibi and Sijelmassi (1996) note that 'the legibility of a text and the beauty of its line require rules of proportion' (p. 46). The alif is the first letter of the Arabic alphabet, and lays out the proportioning for the rest of them. The alif takes the form of a straight and vertical stroke and varies from three to two dots high and one dot wide (created by pressing the tip of a reed pen to paper.
The Development of Arabic Calligraphy
The Arabic alphabet developed itself from Aramaic script and then forked out into different styles.
There are many styles used in Arabic calligraphy, but only six are widely used. The Kufic style is noted for its proportional measurements, angularity, and squareness, and as one of the earliest styles to be used to record the Qur'an. The other five styles are noted for their cursive letters, much like it seen on my bowl, and their use as ornamental scripts. Additionally, other styles were used and developed, including the Tughra, which was used by the Ottoman sultans as their signature. Zoomorphic calligraphy was also developed in which Arabic letters or words are manipulated and structured into the shape of a human figure, a bird, an animal or an object. This is also due to the discouragement of figurative images in sacred art and architecture.Pieces with Arabic inscription on them were created either for daily use or decoration in order to show off the messages that they displayed. Given the expensive nature of the materials my pot is made from, it is more likely to be a decorative item for a wealthy patron.
Sources:
http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/calligraphy
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/00043125.2002.11651482?casa_token=uPnTXKZuu6UAAAAA:-B0ajbrqAgVpMhRytI982AKP70_5YmVxaU0Q0IfFbGJBX943fo4hUTD2RxaKyfFvA6ZXglbOh8lIxQ
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