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Calligraphy by S. J. “Joon” Thomas

خوش خط فارسي والخطوط العربية – خطاط استوار جون طوماس

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Paisley Designs “Boteh”

March 15, 2013 |

Another original design by Stewart J. Thomas. “I create these types of designs constantly, either in conjunction with calligraphy work–as borders or backgrounds–or as stand alone designs.” The embedded paisley designs, known as “boteh” in Persian, or “buta” in Kashmir, … Read More

Kufic Style of Arabic Calligraphy

March 14, 2013 |

A modern and loose rendition of the kufic style of Arabic calligraphy, this phrase renders “In this world, not of this world” in Persian (Farsi): “Andar donya, nah as donya.”

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No Ruz

March 11, 2013 |

As we ponder the arrival of another No Ruz, or new day, I share with you a haft sin from a previous year. Note the use of the fish-shaped mirror – a small treasure from an auto rickshaw supply store … Read More

“Boteh”

March 11, 2013 |

The pattern known in Persian as “boteh” or in Kashmir as “buta” is pervasive in Iranian designs since ancient times.  From the 17th century the pattern became known in the west as the “Paisley” because of the connection between Kashmir … Read More

Street Art

March 10, 2013 |

paxmachina:

StreetArtNews on the Tabriz born artist’s brush with Iranian security forces.

A1one New Mural In Dusseldorf, Germany (The Story Of A1one)

One year ago, in March of 2012, A1one was kidnapped on the streets of Tehran, Iran by the civilian … Read More

Fire in Rain

March 10, 2013 |

Persian (Farsi) translation of “I am the fire that lives only in the rain.” Original Persian (Farsi) calligraphy by Stewart J. Thomas on marbled paper.

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Calligraphic Rondel of Names

March 9, 2013 |

Calligraphic rondel by Stewart J. Thomas made up of the names Ariana and Illahi. Originally created as a tattoo design.

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“Yeki bood, Yeki nabood”

March 9, 2013 |

“Yeki bood, Yeki nabood” is the traditional beginning of Iranian stories: “Once there was, once there wasn’t … ” and so the tale begins. Persian (Farsi) calligraphy by Stewart Thomas.

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Zoomorphic Calligraphy

March 6, 2013 |

Calligraphy in the shape of various animals, known as zoomorphic calligraphy, is very popular.  This loosely penned design is the word “enshallah” in the shape of a bird, the meaning being “God’s will,” “God willing,” or “[it is of] God’s … Read More

Illuminated Border Design

March 1, 2013 |

Sketch for triangular portions of the Bandha Yoga illuminated border design by Stewart J. Thomas

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Illuminated Border Design

March 1, 2013 |

Sketch of an element for the Bandha Yoga illuminated border design by Stewart J. Thomas

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Calligraphy, Design and Illumination

March 1, 2013 |

The calligraphy in this example is obviously not Persian or Arabic, but the hand painted border design is in the Persian tradition so I’m including it here.  The piece was commissioned for Ray Long’s Bandha Yoga series. The original was … Read More

Great Work

March 1, 2013 |

Hi Jessica, nice to see so much of your work in one place. Truly an inspiration.

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“Good thoughts, good speech, good deeds.”

February 16, 2013 |

This is a loose calligraphic rendering of the ancient Iranian creed, “Good thoughts, good speech, good deeds.” There are several popular wordings of this in modern Persian (Farsi), this being one of them. The calligraphy was done on paper which … Read More

“Good thoughts, good speech, good deeds” with Colors

February 16, 2013 |

This is another rendering of “Good thoughts, good speech, good deeds” – the ancient Iranian creed associated with the Zoroastrian religion, but given a place of honour in Iranian philosophy from olden times until the present. A simple blue and … Read More

“Good thoughts, good speech, good deeds.” Blue and Gold

February 16, 2013 |

This is the blue and gold calligraphic version of the ancient Iranian creed, “Good thoughts, good speech, good deeds.” There are several popular wordings of this in modern Persian (Farsi), this being one of them.

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Hand Painted Muslim Marriage Certificate

February 16, 2013 |

Hand painted Muslim marriage certificate in Arabic. The border and interior illumination is done in watercolour, gouache, and metallic inks. The calligraphy at the top is the traditional invocation, “In the name of G-d the compassionate, the merciful.”

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Arabic and English Marriage Certificate

January 19, 2013 |

Arabic and English Marriage Certificate

This bilingual marriage certificate features Arabic and English calligraphy in side-by-side columns and a hand painted watercolour border inspired by Middle Eastern tile designs. Of note is the gold monogram created by intertwining the names … Read More

Interfaith Ketubah with Rumi Poetry

January 19, 2013 |

Interfaith Ketubah with Rumi Poetry

Detail of a marriage certificate featuring English, Persian (Farsi) and Hebrew calligraphy and a fine hand painted and illuminated border design. The Persian calligraphy features the poetry of Rumi.  The Hebrew is the original text … Read More

Khorshid Khanom

January 19, 2013 |

Khorshid Khanom

The beloved “Lady Sun” of Persian folklore with the words “Mobarak-e Eid” which translates loosely as “holiday greetings.”  Calligraphy and illustration by Stewart J. Thomas. For calligraphy commissions visit Palmstone.com

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