Sketch for border design scrollwork incorporating stylized floral motifs. Original design by artist and calligrapher Stewart J. Thomas.
Paisley Designs “Boteh”
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, are a recurring motif in the arts of Iran and India.
Illuminated Border Design
Sketch for triangular portions of the Bandha Yoga illuminated border design by Stewart J. Thomas
Illuminated Border Design
Sketch of an element for the Bandha Yoga illuminated border design by Stewart J. Thomas
Calligraphy, Design and Illumination
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
Arabic and English Marriage Certificate
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
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.