Arabic Calligraphy in a new style

[Salman Khattak]

This is a composition I did a little while ago. This is done in a newly developed hand called Kereshmeh. I could not find formal instructions for this style so based my study on the few examples I could find. This style lends itself to wild experimentation but I stayed close to classic structure while borrowing the change in slant and the different pen angle used in this script. It took some doing but I am happy with the results.

The Arabic reads 'Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim' which means 'In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful'.

Here is a picture:



Here is a framed picture.



This is one of several practice sheets where I was trying out various forms and figuring out the script.



I had not been practising Arabic Calligraphy much when I took this on. This was a good warm-up as well as a humbling reminder of how much work it takes. One can't just wing it.

- Salman

[Estefa]

I love the flowing look of this piece, @SMK Salman ! It looks effortless – , but after my own super short humble attempt at Arabic calligraphy I can imagine that it takes a lot of practice to achieve this impression!

[AndyT]

Very striking and rhythmic Salman.  I hope we can look forward to seeing more?

[AAAndrew]

Beautiful. Reminds me of some of the Mughal calligraphy I've seen, but more dynamic. I think it's the angle. Less languid and more springy while keeping the fluidity.

Would love to learn more about the different styles.

[Salman Khattak]

Thank you for the kind comments.

Stefanie, you are absolutely right about the flow. It is indeed hard to make it look effortless. This is even more true of some of the more structured hands like Thuluth and Naskh.

Andy, I don't do much Arabic work these days and am quite out of touch but I will be happy to share some of my past work :-)

Andrew - this is indeed a very dynamic hand. Do you mean 'Nastaliq' when you say Mughal Calligraphy?  It was the most popular hand during that time - the language and culture both had a heavy Persian influence. Farsi was considered the language of the educated.

- Salman

[Myles Ink Calligraphy]

Beautiful. I have never seen such beautiful form of calligraphy. The strokes look genuinely gracious. This is one of my favorite calligraphy on this forum.

[Salman Khattak]

Thank you for the very nice words @Myles Ink Calligraphy - this is indeed very kind of you.

Regards,
Salman