Arabic Calligraphy

The ink made by the Persians, Indians, and the Turks would stay fresh for a considerable amount of time. Ink preparation could take several days and involve many complex chemical processes. Although techniques varied from one place to another, most inks were based on soot or lamp-black mixed with water and gum-Arabic. Other ingredients are indigo, minced gall-nuts, and henna. The final stage of preparation involved straining the ink through silk. Also, the ink might be perfumed if desired (Art of Islam: Language and Meaning, 48-50).
             The teaching of writing was the responsibility of a master, who began by drawing letters in the sand with his finger. The pupils imitated him, then rubbed it all out and started afresh. Later, smooth wooden tablets coated with clay were used. Each pupil drew a few lines, and then had to keep them until he knew them by heart. .
             At the end of the seventh century, Arabic and its script became official, and were adopted in the administration of all Muslim countries. The script evolved into two main forms, a rounded flowing (cursive) one called nashki and a stiff angular one called kufi. These two styles gave rise to a multitude of others. .
             In the eighth century the Arabs learned the secret of paper-making from the Chinese. That was a turning point in the art of writing. Paper would play a major role in countless subsequent inventions and would reform Arabic calligraphy. This new medium of written communication had a decisive impact on every aspect of Islamic civilization. Every corner of the far-flung Muslim empire had its own style, reflecting its culture and tastes.
             Paper was made from cotton, and sometimes from silk or other fibers, but not from wood pulp. The paper was polished with a smooth stone like agate or jade before the calligrapher began to write. Guidelines were inscribed with a point. The script stood on these barely visible lines or sometimes was suspended from them.