 |
|
 |
Encyclopedia—calligraphy Arabic CalligraphyThe art of calligraphy is also practiced with the limited letter alphabet of Arabic. Because the Muslim faith discourages pictorial representation and reveres the Qur'an, the Islamic peoples esteem calligraphy as highly as do those of East Asia. The earliest Islamic calligraphy is found in the beautiful Qur'ans, written with black ink or gold leaf on parchment or paper in formal, angular script. Begun by the 8th cent., this script was fully developed by the 10th. Elaborations, such as foliation, interfacing, and other complexities were invented later, but they are used only for decorative work. Qur'ans continued to be copied in austere and monumental letters. In the 12th cent. rounded cursive style was invented and spread throughout Islam. Many different cursive scripts developed thereafter. In Islam calligraphy decorates mosques, pottery, metalwork, and textiles, as well as books. Sections in this article:
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2005, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved. 
Related content from HighBeam Research on: calligraphy: Arabic Calligraphy Showcase of Arabic calligraphy (New Straits Times)
Harmony and grace in Arabic calligraphy (New Straits Times)
Arabic calligraphy display by Ma (New Straits Times)
Arabic Calligraphy Art (SoftBase)
Arabic calligraphy: the art of literacy. (Mosaic). (The Middle East)
calligraphy (The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition)
Art of Islamic calligraphy, THE STAR (The Star (Jordan, Middle East))
Calligraphy Without BlottingEditor's Choice (International Herald Tribune)
ARTS-INDIA: COMPUTERS THREATEN THE ANCIENT ART OF CALLIGRAPHY (Inter Press Service English News Wire)
Additional search results provided by HighBeam Research, LLC. © Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.
|
