Thuluth Script on Metal Objects

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.