This video looks at the beautiful calligraphic script known as Kufic that was used in early manuscripts of the Qur’an. Learn more about what characteristics are associated with Kufic and how it was used on a variety of objects and surfaces in Islamic art. The video focuses on two folios from the 9th century as a way to appreciate this beautiful calligraphy from the Middle Ages.

Main image: Two folios from a Qur’an, 9th century, ink and gold on parchment. National Museum of Asian Art, Washington, D.C.

Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank

CHAPTERS

0:00 Can writing be an art form?

0:40 Kufic script

0:55 An example of a surah in the Qur'an

1:55 Characteristics of Kufic script

2:47 Kufic used on buildings and ceramics

3:06 The beauty of calligraphy