Panel with calligraphy by Anonymous

Panel with calligraphy c. 20th century

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drawing, silk, textile

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drawing

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silk

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typography

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textile

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geometric

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line

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islamic-art

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calligraphy

Dimensions: 32 3/4 x 17 1/4 in. (83.19 x 43.82 cm)

Copyright: Public Domain

Here we have an anonymous panel with calligraphy, created with metallic thread on fabric. I love how the metallic thread catches the light, giving the piece a shimmering, almost ethereal quality. You can almost feel the maker's hand in the way the thread is laid down, meticulously crafting each curve and line. The fabric itself has a tactile quality, a subtle texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, reflective surface of the thread. Imagine running your fingers over it – the coolness of the metal against the soft give of the fabric. Look closely at the circular motif on the right, how the lines intersect and overlap, creating a sense of depth and movement. It's like a constellation of meaning, inviting you to get lost in its intricate patterns. It reminds me of Cy Twombly's calligraphic paintings, where gesture and mark-making become a language in themselves. This piece, like Twombly's work, embraces ambiguity, inviting us to contemplate the endless possibilities of interpretation.

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Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart's Profile Picture
minneapolisinstituteofart over 1 year ago

In Islamic Africa, calligraphy is not only found on writing boards and paper, but also on blades, ceramics, and textiles. Woven into this cloth are two verses from chapters 21 and 96 from the Qur’an. On the right is “Taught man what he did not know,” which refers to God’s gift of knowledge to humans. The left one, in which God addresses the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), reads: “We did not send you except as a mercy for humankind.” Such striking textiles would be hung in private homes, mosques, or Qur’anic schools. Interpretation of text:Taught man what he did not know.We did not send you but as a mercy for humankind.

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