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 generation or creation.”
انشاع الله
Sketch for triangular portions of the Bandha Yoga illuminated border design by Stewart J. Thomas
Sketch of an element for the Bandha Yoga illuminated border design by Stewart J. Thomas
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 painted using a layer of metallic ink overlayed with transparent watercolor washes and opaque gouache. The calligraphy heading is in Devanagari script (Sanskrit) and the remaining calligraphy in a version of the Italic alphabet. All calligraphy, design and illumination by Stewart J. Thomas
Hi Jessica, nice to see so much of your work in one place. Truly an inspiration.
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 was then mounted with waterproof varnish on polished wood.
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 white version of this calligraphic piece is posted on the BBC website – alas they asked for permission to use my calligraphy, but said they were “unable” to give me credit or a link.
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.
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.”
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 of the newly wed couple. For more information on custom marriage certificates, visit palmstone.com
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 of “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine” from the Song of Solomon. For information on ordering marriage certificates visit palmstone.com.
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