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 Inkwell |
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The calligrapher held the highest status among artists yet when transcribing the Qur'an his work was considered to be an act of
piety. This high esteem for the written word led to special attention to the instruments and objects associated with calligraphy.
Pen cases, ink pots such as the one illustrated here, and pens were well crafted and adorned with calligraphy.
The pen, qalam in Arabic, is usually made of good quality cane, measuring between 9-10" with a diameter of about a half-inch. The calligrapher
is responsible for trimming the nib and cutting the point. The nib should be split in the center to have equal halves. The qalam is
kept in a pen box with separate compartments for ink, sand and cleaning threads.
The calligraphy on the body of this inkwell includes: Glory and prosperity and wealth and happiness and long life. The power of ink
to preserve knowledge and extend thought over time and space was accelerated in 751 C.E. when paper was introduced from China.
The continual repetition required for good calligraphy could now be practiced more cheaply and in greater quantity.
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