Sketch for border design scrollwork incorporating stylized floral motifs. Original design by artist and calligrapher Stewart J. Thomas.
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
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 … Read More
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
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