Artwork Page for Page from a Qur'an, Sura al-Nisa 4, Verses 157–58

Details / Information for Page from a Qur'an, Sura al-Nisa 4, Verses 157–58

Page from a Qur'an, Sura al-Nisa 4, Verses 157–58

1100s

Seljuk Iran

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Medium
opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper
Measurements
Overall: 32 x 21.3 cm (12 5/8 x 8 3/8 in.); Text area: 23 x 16 cm (9 1/16 x 6 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1939.507.a
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
116 Islamic(not visible)
Print
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Did You Know?

Calligraphers and poets enjoyed higher status than painters and architects in Islamic countries.

Description

Arabic calligraphy, the art of beautiful writing, was elevated above all other art forms in the Islamic world because Allah, or God, revealed the divine word of Islam to the Prophet Muhammad (570–632) in the Arabic language.

This Qur’an page is considered one of the most splendid examples of Arabic calligraphy. Based on the proportions of Arabic letters, majestic eastern Kufic script features elongated letters with long upstrokes and low strokes swaying to the left. Contours echoing the letters separate the sacred text from the lively arabesque background of foliage in rhythmic patterns. This vertical layout on paper replaces the earlier horizontal format on parchment.
Vertically oriented page with four rows of black Kufic script, an angular, Arabic calligraphy, within a densely patterned rectangle. A border of the beige outlines each letter before the background is filled with swirling brown lines, which also outline abstracted beige vine patterns running behind the script. Two circular, gold, flowers appear in the center two rows. A braided gold pattern frames the edges. Margins in plain, beige paper run around the edges.

Page from a Qur'an, Sura al-Nisa 4, Verses 157–58

1100s

Seljuk Iran

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