Page of Calligraphy from a Mantiq al-Tayr (Language of the Birds) 16th - 17th century

This is a page of calligraphy from Farid al-Din `Attar’s "Language of the Birds," made sometime before 1220. The materials are ink, color and gold on paper. The rich gold background immediately indicates the value placed on this manuscript; gold leaf of this kind was costly, and required great skill to apply. The precision of the script shows the labor involved, especially in the evenness of the lines and the careful spacing between words. Note the use of stylized illuminations, which punctuate the text and provide visual harmony. This indicates a deep engagement with the sacred text. Understanding this work requires us to consider the time and effort required, in the context of a society that highly valued both spiritual and aesthetic refinement. This page represents a tangible expression of cultural values, rather than just a passive decorative element.