Panel with calligraphy, second half of 20th century
Unknown artist, Moroccoexpand_more
Polyester, metallic threadexpand_more
Gift of Nobuko Kajitaniexpand_more 2005.97.46
Not on Viewexpand_more
In Islamic Africa, calligraphy is not only found on writing boards and paper, but also on blades, ceramics, and textiles. Woven into this cloth are two verses from chapters 21 and 96 from the Qur’an. On the right is “Taught man what he did not know,” which refers to God’s gift of knowledge to humans. The left one, in which God addresses the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), reads: “We did not send you except as a mercy for humankind.” Such striking textiles would be hung in private homes, mosques, or Qur’anic schools.
Interpretation of text:
Taught man what he did not know.
We did not send you but as a mercy for humankind.
Details
- Title
- Panel with calligraphy
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2005.97.46
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know
Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.