Abstract:
This research examines the intricate Arabic calligraphy adorning opulent metallic
objects dating back to the 14th-century Mamluk Bahrī period (1250-1382). Despite being
overshadowed or assimilated within the broader decorative repertoire of these artifacts in
existing scholarly discourse, this study sheds light on the profound significance of these
calligraphic inscriptions. Not only do they pay homage to the era's rulers, but they also
offer insights into the social, political, cultural, and aesthetic dimensions of the period.
Employing descriptive analysis as the research methodology, this investigation elucidates
the transformation of calligraphy from figurative representations on metallic surfaces to its
zenith as intricate inscriptions, contextualized within the political dynamics of the time. Central to this research is the exploration of how the thuluth script interacts with
metallic surfaces, offering a distinctive viewpoint as the author, a practitioner of Islamic
art, examines the script's departure from traditional constraints when applied to metalwork.
The research endeavors to perceive these calligraphic forms as independent visual entities,
appreciating their decorative attributes beyond mere communication. Three meticulously curated tables categorize significant metal artifacts from the
Bahrī period, facilitating the tracing of their evolution over time and enabling comparative
analysis of thuluth script usage and styles on metal. These tables serve as valuable
resources for educators, museum professionals, and researchers, offering insights into the
nexus between aesthetics, materiality, and cultural context within Islamic art. Furthermore,
they provide avenues for connoisseurship, aiding in identifying metal workshops,
discerning the hand of the artists, and elucidating various techniques employed in applying
calligraphy, aspects that remain underexplored in current scholarship. Finally, as a practitioner committed to the art of Arabic calligraphy on metal, the
author's objective is to fortify the enduring legacy of Islamic Art, ensuring its relevance
well into the 21st century.
