Names of Prophets (recto and verso), folio 86 from a Manuscript of Dala’il al-Khayrat by Jazuli c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have folio 86 from a manuscript of Dala’il al-Khayrat, titled "Names of Prophets (recto and verso)," of small dimensions. Editor: The composition strikes me immediately. The script is so carefully laid out within that framing border. It feels almost meditative. Curator: Indeed. This book, by Jazuli, was a popular prayer book in the Islamic world, often commissioned by the wealthy to showcase piety and status. The vibrant colors and meticulous calligraphy certainly speak to that. Editor: And that rubricated border, enclosing the gold lettering...it’s not just decorative; it’s a way of organizing and highlighting the text. The surface texture of the paper seems to have an important role. Curator: Absolutely. The materiality of the manuscript—the paper, the ink, the gilding—reflects the reverence with which these names of prophets were treated in religious practice. Editor: Seeing this makes me consider the importance of book arts in circulating spiritual and cultural ideas. The book format has been quite powerful throughout history. Curator: Precisely, and this example offers a glimpse into the intertwined history of art, religion, and cultural production.