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Qur’anic Verse

Khaled Al-Saa'i

Artwork Details

Qur’anic Verse
2002
Khaled Al-Saa'i
ink on dyed paper
12 in x 23 7/8 in (30.4 cm x 60.7 cm);22 1/16 in x 28 1/16 in (56.04 cm x 71.28 cm);12 1/16 in x 24 in (30.7 cm x 61 cm)
Gift of the artist
2003/1.382

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Description

The work is an example of the classical "Diwâni jali" script, a script that evolved at the court of the Ottoman Turkish empire. The text is from the Qu'ran, chapter 6 (Al-Anaam), Verse 59: "With him are the keys of the Unseen, the treasures that none knows but He. He knows whatever there is on the earth and in the sea. Not a leaf does fall but with His knowledge. There is not a grain in the darkness [or depths] of the earth, nor anything fresh nor dry [green or withered], but is [inscribed] in a Record clear [to those who can read]."
The brown ink in this work was handmade by the artist from walnut and tobacco juice. The overall text is in the shape of a sword.
Maribeth Graybill, Senior Curator of Asian Art, March 10, 2003

Usage Rights:

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