From time to time I like to feature a wonderful work from the masters:
Saki, album miniature, 1609
Reza Abbasi, 1565-1635
“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy” written by calligrapher Stewart J. Thomas, in English around the border of each piece, and in half lines within each frame in Persian (Farsi). Background and edges … Read More
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
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 … 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