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Beyond words: calligraphy from the world of Islam

Abstract

"Calligraphy means ‘the art of writing beautifully’. Driven by its use in the Koran, artfully executed Arabic script became a key religious and political marker at a very early stage; since then calligraphy has played a central role in the Islamic world. In addition to appearing on paper, artful writing can be found on everything, from coins, weapons, dishes, lamps and textiles to the façades and interiors of buildings. The many types of texts offer rich and varied insights into Islamic art, culture and societies. Beyond Words presents 128 objects featuring calligraphy, most notably from The David Collection. In addition, the book contains articles on such subjects as the Arabic alphabet, classical scripts, the calligraphers and the different types of texts. The publication also explores the use of Arabic lettering in earlier European art and in modern-day Arabic graffiti"-- Provided by publisher.

Contributors

Publisher

  • Publication

    [Copenhagen]: Strandberg Publishing A/S, The David Collection, [2024]

Is about

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Type

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Classification

  • ISBN

    • 9788794418034
    • 8794418039

Annotations / title notes

  • Notes

    • "The selected objects stem mainly from The David Collection, but the exhibition also includes works from Designmuseum Denmark, The Hirschsprung Collection, the Royal Danish Library and The National Museum of Denmark"--The David Collection website (accessed 12 July 2024).
    • Published in conjunction with an exhibition of the same name held at The David Collection, Copenhagen, Denmark, 24 May 2024-26 January 2025.

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