Traces of the Calligrapher : Islamic Calligraphy in Practice, C. 1600-1900

by Mary McWilliams and David J. Roxburgh

• ISBN13: 9780300126327
• ISBN10: 0300126328
• Format: Trade Paper
• Copyright: 2008-01-09
• Publisher: Museum Fine Arts Houston

Summary

In Islamic culture, calligraphy has long been considered a quintessential art form. This beautiful writing practice constitutes an expression of piety, and calligraphers are among the most highly esteemed artists.Traces of the Calligrapherportrays the intimate world of the calligrapher during the early modern period of Islamic culture. It brings together the "tools of the trade"works in their own right that are rarely exhibited or publishedand the exquisite art made with these functional objects in India, Iran, and Turkey. This richly illustrated and fascinating book presents exceptional works of the 7th through 19th centuries, drawn primarily from an unrivaled private collection. It features pens, pen boxes, chests, tables, paper scissors, knives, burnishers, and book bindings of superb manufacture and design, accompanied by examples of calligraphy that were executed as practice exercise, occasional works, wall hangings, and manuscripts.

Author Biography

David J. Roxburgh is a professor in the Department of History of Art and Architecture at Harvard University.

Table of Contents

Islamic Calligraphy in Practice, c. 1600-1900	p. 1
Calligraphy in the Islamic Lands	p. 3
The Calligrapher's Materials, Methods, and Tools	p. 9
The Calligrapher's Furniture	p. 47
The Calligrapher's Practice	p. 67
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.