Bifolio from an Album of Calligraphic Exercises 1896

Curator: Here we have a bifolio from an album of calligraphic exercises by Al-Hajj al-'Arif. Notice the dimensions, roughly 9 by 13 inches. Editor: The script looks so elegant against that swirling border. It makes the text feel both grounded and like it’s floating. Curator: Indeed. Calligraphy served not only a functional purpose but also as a powerful visual and spiritual medium, reflecting the profound reverence for the written word in Islamic culture. Editor: The artist’s choice to frame the text with that marbled paper is quite striking. It gives the piece a real sense of dynamism. Curator: These exercises were often commissioned by wealthy patrons, showcasing the scribe’s skill and the patron’s refined taste. Editor: Looking at the piece now, it makes me think about the power of repeated practice. It's really humbling. Curator: Yes, considering its historical and cultural value makes me see it differently too.