African

Ancient Mediterranean

Asian

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Art since 1900

Asian Art

In the hands of Muslim artisans, calligraphy -- ornamental writing -- evolved into a distinctive and innovative form because of the ban on figurative representation in sacred art. These two bands of thuluth inscription decorating this lintel reveal a mastery of the calligrahic carving.

The outer inscription, a Persian verse, informs us that Mulla Khiyala built this mosque in the reign of king Ibrahim Ibn Kuli. Each letter in the Arabic alphabet can also be given a numerical value. Here, the numerical values of letters in the verse's final phrase rukhn e behesht (pillar of paradise) also reveal the date of construction.

The inner inscription, on the two triangular spandrels of the arched opening, is in Arabic, and comes from the Tradition (Hadith), the collected sayings of the Prophet Mohammad. The Tradition is second in authority only to The Qur'an in guiding Muslims about their faith. From right to left, the two spandrels read: "The Prophet -- may God's blessing and peace be upon him -- said: Prayer is the ascension of the faithful."