
How to Read Islamic Calligraphy
Maryam Ekhtiar(Author)
Metropolitan Museum of Art (Publisher)
Published on 16. October 2018
Book
Paperback/Softback
156 pages
978-1-58839-630-3 (ISBN)
Description
An accessible introduction to the quintessential art form of the Islamic world
How to Read Islamic Calligraphy explores the preeminence of the written word as a means of creative expression throughout the Islamic world. Aimed at a general audience, the book introduces all five major Islamic calligraphic script types, demonstrates their distinctive visual characteristics, and explains the various contexts in which each one came to be used, whether for transcribing the Qur'an, composing poetry, or issuing written edicts from the sultan's court. Numerous examples illustrate how the transmission of these styles and techniques from master to pupil was fundamental to the flourishing of Islamic calligraphy, and handwriting models from as early as the 10th century continue to inspire students of calligraphy today.
Superbly illustrated, the works discussed include manuscripts, glass, metalware, and ceramic tiles. This accessible and engaging book traces the progression of calligraphic styles over centuries and across geographical regions, affirming the spectacular range of creative possibilities afforded by this unique art form.
Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University Press
How to Read Islamic Calligraphy explores the preeminence of the written word as a means of creative expression throughout the Islamic world. Aimed at a general audience, the book introduces all five major Islamic calligraphic script types, demonstrates their distinctive visual characteristics, and explains the various contexts in which each one came to be used, whether for transcribing the Qur'an, composing poetry, or issuing written edicts from the sultan's court. Numerous examples illustrate how the transmission of these styles and techniques from master to pupil was fundamental to the flourishing of Islamic calligraphy, and handwriting models from as early as the 10th century continue to inspire students of calligraphy today.
Superbly illustrated, the works discussed include manuscripts, glass, metalware, and ceramic tiles. This accessible and engaging book traces the progression of calligraphic styles over centuries and across geographical regions, affirming the spectacular range of creative possibilities afforded by this unique art form.
Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University Press
Reviews / Votes
"An accessible introduction to the quintessential art form of the Islamic world, the book explores the preeminence of the written word as a means of creative expression throughout the Islamic world." - Asian Art NewspaperMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
141 color illus.
Dimensions
Height: 266 mm
Width: 210 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
722 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-58839-630-3 (9781588396303)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Maryam Ekhtiar is associate curator in the Department of Islamic Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.