Islamic treasure

The visual art of writing will unveil in all its vintage glory for heritage lovers in the Capital, as National Museum opens an exhibition on calligraphy with <g data-gr-id="24">focus</g> on its Islamic stream dating back to five centuries.

A total of 56 utility artefacts from NM’s collection will be on display at the show titled Art of Calligraphy and Beyond: Arabic-Persian Inscriptions on Decorative Arts objects, which will be inaugurated by Union Minister of state for Tourism and Culture Mahesh Sharma on May 15. Curated by NM officials Anamika Pathak and Zahid Ali Ansari, the 59-day show will portray the aesthetics of Arabic-Persian inscriptions known for their tasteful blend with flora-fauna designs that add to charm of the objects — the oldest among which is from 1494 AD. Naseem Akhtar, an authority on Arabic-Persian language, has transcribed all the inscriptions on the exhibits.

NM’s Director-General Sanjiv Mittal noted that the upcoming exhibition assumes significance, considering that fancy lettering of a script has been one of the most important aspects of certain cultures. “The highlight of the show is that it has inscriptions on metal-ware, wood, textiles and semi-precious stones,” he added.

Pathak, who is curator (decorative arts), said artefacts at the exhibition are one that were crafted for daily, ceremonial and religious uses from a variety of materials like ivory, jade, ceramic, textile, wood, metal, glass, paper, leather and bone.

These artefacts have been arranged, as per their utilities, into five main groups; writing implements, religion, faith, tradition and trade.