Page of Calligraphy 1540 - 1590

This "Page of Calligraphy" was created by Khwaja Ekhtiar, likely in Persia or India, sometime in the 16th century. It is made with ink, colors, and gold on paper. The calligraphic marks have a beautiful sense of flow, which comes not just from Ekhtiar's mastery, but from the nature of his materials. Ink is a wonderfully fluid substance, and when applied to paper with a brush or reed pen, it can create lines of great delicacy and variation. In its own way, calligraphy is as process-based as any pottery or weaving, but it relies on different gestures and rhythms. The artist would have worked slowly and methodically, carefully composing each stroke to create a visually appealing and spiritually meaningful work of art. The borders around the calligraphy add to the overall effect. These were created with similar materials and would have required precision and skill. The gold would have been applied in thin layers, burnished to a shine, and then painted over. Ultimately, this artwork invites us to appreciate the skill and labor that went into its creation, reminding us of the rich cultural traditions that have shaped our world.