Dinar of al-'Adil, Al-Qahirah c. 13th century

Editor: Here we have a gold dinar of al-'Adil, from Al-Qahirah. It's quite small, but the concentric circles and calligraphy are striking. What do you see in this piece from a formalist perspective? Curator: The piece presents a fascinating study in circularity. Observe how the design elements – the script, the borders – all reinforce the coin’s form. This symmetry suggests balance and order. Editor: Yes, I see that! The arrangement of the script creates a beautiful visual texture. Curator: Exactly. The varying line weights within the script and the subtle shifts in surface texture catch the light, adding depth despite the object's small scale. Notice how the artist has used the material itself, the gold, to enhance the perceived value and importance of the object. Editor: I never thought about the material itself contributing to the overall design. Thank you! Curator: A close look reveals how form and material combine to communicate meaning. It’s been a pleasure examining this piece with you.