Purchase this volume at Oxbow Books
|
|
Nabil F. Safwat, with a contribution by Mohamed Zakariya
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, AbdÔř‡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.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Dr Nabil F. Safwat was formerly Lecturer, School of Oriental and
African Studies, London; he has wide ranging interests in calligraphy,
painting and architecture.
Mohamed Zakariya is a distinguished contemporary calligrapher, now
working in Washington, DC..
DETAILS
248 pages; fully illustrated in colour with a compendium of Arabic
scripts; section on documentary inscriptions
35.5 x 25.5 cm
hardback with dust jacket (slipcased)
1996
1-874780-55-2
£89 $180
Back to listing
|
