Tag: Iran
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Joseph and his brothers
This is a print made from an old metal printing plate from Iran, I am guessing c. 1930s. The photo is of Joseph being thrown in the well by his brothers. The story is originally from the Torah, but also very popular in Persian poetry. The Farsi reads بچاه انداختن برادران يوسف را “into the well…
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Omar Khayyam
The 11th century poet, Omar Khayyam, says “I am my own, and, what I am, I am / من زان خودم چنان که هستم هستم” Calligraphy and hand painted border by Stewart J. Thomas, www.palmstone.com
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نو روز پيروز
No Ruz Pirooz. Home-made Iranian style baqlava (baklava) made with almonds, pistachios, cardamom and rose water – served with tea, of course. Happy New Year, and may it be a good one.
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From the masters
From time to time I like to feature a wonderful work from the masters: Saki, album miniature, 1609 Reza Abbasi, 1565-1635
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Old Signage Photo
A great selection of Persian fonts and handwritten calligraphy in different sign formats. Great photograph, too. I love reflections and how they show the layering of what’s taking place in life. The intimacy of three people at a sandwich shop vs. the bustle of traffic outside is nicely juxtaposed in this photo.
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Ketubah from Persia
artinparsi: Ketubah from Esfahan, Persia, 1840s, unknown artist Note the sun figures rising from behind the lions – traditional Iranian theme, and parrots – still associated with Ketubim from Iran to Spain.
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The tomb of Persian poet Omar Khayyam
The tomb of Persian poet Omar Khayyam, in Iran. This modern structure is a phenomenal piece of design, incorporating ancient architectural forms, open spaces for light, a continuing line which wraps the entire structure, and the panels of calligraphy which are, of course, lines from Khayyam’s Rubaiyat and other poems. The tombs of the poets…
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Ceramic plate from Nishapur, Iran, 10th century C.E
Ceramic plate from Nishapur, Iran, 10th century C.E. The border in Kufic style Arabic script can be translated as “Knowledge: the beginning of it is bitter to taste, but the end is sweeter than honey.”
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Masjed Nasir-al-Molk, Shiraz, Iran
e-luce-fu: Masjed Nasir-al-Molk, Shiraz, Iran. The great strength of Iranian architecture is the use of light!
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Ya Qazi ul Hajat, or Ya Qadhi al Hajat Tile
یا قاضی الحاجات Ya Qazi ul Hajat, or Ya Qadhi al Hajat is recited as one of the attributes of God (Allah) is usually translated into English as “Oh, Bestower of Desires.” More literally translated it might be rendered as “Oh, Judge of [our] needs.” To me the latter conveys an important attribute, that…
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Poetry
Calligraphy by Stewart J. Thomas of the poem by Rumi, translated as: “The breezes at dawn have secrets to tell you Don’t go back to sleep! You must ask for what you really want. Don’t go back to sleep! People are going back and forth across the doorsill where the two worlds touch, The door…
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Heech
“Heech” literally meaning “nothing” in Persian can also be understood as the void, the space to be filled by creation and creativity. This work is in homage to Parviz Tanavoli. His work, which II saw regularly growing up in Tehran has been an enormous inspiration in my own artwork and understanding of calligraphy.
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Tanavoli
The work of Tanavoli has been enormously influential on my artwork and viewpoint, and a version of this sculptural work perhaps more than any other single work has informed my own understanding of calligraphy. I show here Tanavoli’s sculpture of “Heech” and my own humble homage to his work. Many of his works are in…
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Iranian waterway
This view of the northern reaches of Tehran, Iran is notable for showing a type of Iranian waterway. The steps prevent the water from rushing down the sloped waterway with too much force. Note the depth: when snow melt becomes heavy the waterway fills up rapidly.
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Persian Poetry and Calligraphy
“Out of pain and problems have come the sweetest songs, and the most gripping stories. Bring them home, so that they may live another day. These memories will never fade.” Persian calligraphy by Stewart J. Thomas
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Tea Samovar
Tea Samovar. The one in the foreground is very similar to a beautiful samovar that used to be in our family.
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Walking in the Garden
Part of the art installation “Walking in the Garden” by artist Stewart J. Thomas.