Album of Calligraphy Exercises (Mürekkebat) 1896

Curator: Before us is an object from the Harvard Art Museums, "Album of Calligraphy Exercises," or Murekkebat, by the scribe Al-Hajj al-'Arif. Editor: Immediately, that arresting, swirling blue marbling pulls you in. It's like looking at a turbulent sea from above. Curator: Indeed! The ebru marbling technique itself carries symbolism of fluidity and transformation, reflecting the calligrapher's journey. The cover protects exercises meant to aid Al-Hajj al-'Arif in achieving the perfect mastery of line. Editor: I am curious, what makes one line more masterful than another? Is it just precision? Or is there something more to it? Curator: Calligraphy, of course, is more than just neat handwriting. It’s a sacred art form, where the act of writing becomes a meditative practice. The repeating these exercises embodies the enduring traditions of Islamic arts and culture. Editor: It strikes me how the very act of practice becomes a form of devotion here, with the marbling serving as a beautiful backdrop. Curator: A truly captivating way to perceive the beauty of tradition. Editor: I leave with an appreciation for the dedication behind even the most "simple" art.