Page of Calligraphy from a Mantiq al-Tayr (Language of the Birds) 1575 - 1625

This page of calligraphy, from Farid al-Din `Attar's "Language of the Birds," was created sometime before 1220, using ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper. The materials themselves are part of the story. The paper was likely produced through manual labor, involving soaking, beating, and drying plant fibers. The inks and pigments were also derived from natural sources. But of course, the real artistry is in the application of these materials. Notice the precise lines of the calligraphy, and the complex geometric patterns in the corner squares. The entire page is evidence of the highly skilled labor that went into its production, and the social structures that supported such craftsmanship. Works like this were often produced in a workshop setting, involving a team of artisans each contributing their expertise. In that sense, it's not just about the finished product, but about the collaborative process and the cultural value placed on skill and knowledge. By understanding the making, we gain a deeper appreciation for the art itself, and its place in the world.