Page from the Koran, 12th century
Unknown artist, Iranexpand_more
Ink, colors and gold on paperexpand_more
Bequest of Mrs. Margaret McMillan Webber in memory of her mother, Katherine Kittredge McMillanexpand_more 51.37.5
Not on Viewexpand_more
The essence of writing is in the spirit.
-Persian proverb
Calligraphy is the most highly regarded form of artistic expression in Islam. Hand writing the Koran in Arabic script and is also an act of religious devotion, and calligraphers earn spiritual merit as they make visible the word of God.
The Koran (“recitation” in Arabic) was revealed orally to the Prophet Mohammad between the years 610 and 632. Mohammed’s son-in-law Ali developed the first sacred script several decades later. This script has been refined and embellished over the ensuing years as the Koran has been copied in its original Arabic language again and again throughout the world. The sanctity of the text and the significance of writing it by hand delayed the adoption of mass production of the Koran.
Details
- Title
- Page from the Koran
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 51.37.5
- 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.
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