Islamic Calligraphy

Islamic Calligraphy is an artistic form of writing which is extremely important to the Islamic culture since it is how the Qu'ran was recorded.  There are different styles of writing within calligraphy, including Kufic which is a clean, geometric form.  Proportion is very important, and is based on the letter Alif (basically like the letter "A") which is a vertical line.  The height of this line determines the height of the rest of the script.

Calligraphy is done using a qalam, which is a pen made of reed.  Ink is put inside the reed, and the flow of ink is controlled by a small slit cut into the bottom.

 

Think about the process used to make Islamic calligraphy, Ukiyo-e printing, and Thangka.  What are the similarities and difference between these processes and artistic styles?  Which do you think would be the most challenging, the most fun, and the easiest?  Why?

Answer the above questions in a comment on this post, and respond to the posts of two of your classmates as well.