The word ‘calligraphy’ is derived from the Greek word ‘Kallos’ meaning beauty, and ‘graphe’ meaning writing. The literal meaning of calligraphy as ‘beautiful writing’ is a bit shallow transliteration of the Arabic word ‘Khatt’ which is derived from three components – ‘line’, ‘design’ and ‘construction.’
Islamic calligraphy is strongly associated with the beautiful reproduction of chapters or verses from the Quran. It was and still is the main medium for artistic expression, since figurative art is prohibited on the suspicion of idolatry because the representation of human forms was considered a Christian iconography.
During the seventh century, when the Islamic community spread its wings to cover a vast area from Egypt and North Africa to Iran and beyond, two major Arabic scripts were developed. They were called Kufi and naskh. Kufi is believed to be linked to a small town in Southern Iraq called Kufa, while naskh was used as…
View original post 8,025 more words
KUROMEO 