THE ART OF THE PEN: Calligraphy of the 14th to 20th Centuries(The Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art, VOL V) [Box set] [Hardcover]

Nabil F Safwat (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0197276040 | ISBN-13: 978-0197276044 | Publication Date: June 1996

The demanding discipline of calligraphy, centering on the power of the written word and transmitted from master to pupil through the ages, is central to Islamic cultures and is the source of one of the world's richest artistic traditions. The 174 examples of the art published in this volume represent its scope and its continuity over a period of six centuries. They include works by many of the most celebrated calligraphers, beginning with the influential Yaqut in the late 13th century, and by such distinguished amateurs as the Ottoman sultans, Abd lmecid I and Mahmud II. This is the most comprehensive study yet made of the subject, examining many fundamental aspects of a calligrapher's activity for the first time. The author discusses the artists' training and the key elements of the calligraphic repertoire, including albums of sample works, stencils and miniature script, cut-out work and gilded leaves. To complement the text, examples of all of the principal types of historical script have been provided by an eminent modern calligrapher.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Arabic (translation)

About the Author

Nabil F. Safwat, formerly Lecturer in Islamic Art, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 248 pages
• Publisher: Kha (June 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0197276040
• ISBN-13: 978-0197276044
• Product Dimensions: 14.8 x 10.6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,340,531 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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This review is from: THE ART OF THE PEN: Calligraphy of the 14th to 20th Centuries(The Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art, VOL V) (Hardcover)

The power of the written word to convey emotional intensity in a pleasing visual form, particularly when dealing with sacred subject matter, has been a constant them in Islamic culture. The demanding discipline of Islamic calligraphy, transmitted from master to pupil throughout the ages, has been the source of one of the humanity's richest artistic traditions. The Nasser D Khalili Collection holds examples of the Islamic calligraphy that span six centuries and demonstrate the continuity of this central art form into the modern era. The holdings - nearly 300 in total - include exceptional items that feature the work of many of the most famous master calligraphers: Yaqut, Seyh Hamdullah, Hafiz Osman, Mahmud Calaluddin, Mehmed Rasim and Yusuf 'Hafiz al-Qur'an'. This book is intended for islamicists, collectors and curators of Islamic art, specialist art trade, some students, and general readers. With a contribution by: Zakariya, Mohamed;