Group Exhibition

Qur’anic Calligraphy Through the Ages

05 Feb - 27 Feb 1999

In 1999, Qur’anic Calligraphy Through The Ages at Valentine Willie Fine Art presented a survey of the written word as the foundational pillar of Islamic aesthetics. The exhibition traced the evolution of script from early Kufic writings on vellum to the intricate illuminations of later centuries. Featured works included an 18th-century Dala’el Al Khairat manuscript from Morocco, showcasing North African Maghribi script alongside leather-work and floral geometry. The inclusion of contemporary pieces by calligraphers like Salah Sherzad bridged the historical record with living tradition, demonstrating the script’s enduring adaptability. By highlighting the intersections of book-binding, lacquer-work, and geometric design, the presentation moved beyond the religious function of the objects to examine them as masterpieces of Arab-Muslim civilization.

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