Folios from a Qur'an Manuscript in Floriated "New Style" Script

Unknown

11th century · Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper · Islamic Art

This folio, copied in floriated "new style" script, exhibits a striking balance of rigorous discipline and exuberant imagination. The fourth line of text is much larger than the rest and its vertical letters end in elaborate decoration, visually emphasizing the words "Muhammad, God’s Messenger." The calligrapher pushes the boundaries of the "new style" script by transforming the vertical shafts of the letters into plaited designs and vegetation. The playful use of this script is also seen in Seljuq architectural decoration.

Artist

Unknown

Date

11th century

Medium

Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1940