An exhibition of Islamic art opened in Berlin
The Islamic Book Binding Traditions. Ornamentations and Inscriptions exhibition was opened in Berlin on December 13th.
Samples of books from different ages showcased in the exhibition represent the variety of bookbinding design. This fact allows visitors to follow the temporal and regional style development and its relation to other types of Islamic art.
The centerpiece of the exhibition is a large-format leather-bound book, which was used by Egyptian Mameluke, with geometric and calligraphic ornaments on it. Moreover, Indian Islamic Books of the Mongol Empire times in miniatures are also demonstrated.
The art of literature plays an important role in Islamic culture. Calligraphy and ornamentation took the leading position in Islamic art because of the tendency of Islam to radically deny the portrayal of images.
Calligraphy was exalted to the level of sacred art in the earliest centuries of Islam. Reed pens, brushes, scissors, a knife for a pen’s trimming and ink are the standard utensils for calligraphy lessons, which can be seen at the Museum of Islamic Art located in Berlin.
It is also worth mentioning the quality of ink used by the masters of portrait miniatures: they are impressive with the brightness and freshness of colours. According to materials presented at the exhibition, many calligraphers have developed their own recipes of ink making and they were kept in secret. The ink made by Persians, Indians and Turks was especially treasured. This ink could keep the tone’s brightness and freshness for a long period of time.
An exhibition of Islamic art opened in BerlinSource: www.sedmitza.ru