Page of Calligraphy from the Kulliyat of Sa'di 18th century

This calligraphic page from the Kulliyat of Sa'di was created by Abd al-Majid Taleqani. The overall impression is one of ornate balance, with a textured gold panel taking center stage, framed by borders of floral patterns and geometric precision. The Arabic text itself appears as floating calligraphy on the gold background, creating a play of depth. The use of line and space is striking. Two columns of text run down the page, each line carefully spaced to allow the elegant script to breathe. The structure of this page is far from arbitrary. The floral motifs serve to adorn, but the geometric frames enforce a rigid structure, containing the expressive flow of the calligraphy. The gold ground, a traditional symbol of illumination and knowledge, elevates the script beyond mere text, turning it into a visual embodiment of wisdom. The composition invites us to consider the relationship between text and image, where writing transcends its communicative function to become a form of art. Consider the interplay between the rigidity of the border and the fluidity of the script, and how each element functions within this carefully constructed space.