Article
The art of the Qur'an in Banten : calligraphy and illumination
- Title
- The art of the Qur'an in Banten : calligraphy and illumination
- Date
- 2006
- edition
- volume 72, 2006
- Language
- EnglishSee all items with this value
- Extent
- Pages 95-156
- Abstract
- This article examines thirteen copies of the Quran from Banten, mostly dating from the 18th century, which differ in many respects from those found elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Two groups can be identified within this corpus: one consisting of very large copies intended for public institutions, and the other of smaller copies that align more closely with the *Nusantarian* norm. Arguably, the most distinctive feature of these Banten Quran copies is the quality of the Arabic calligraphy, which reaches a level rarely seen in the Malay-Indonesian archipelago. Indeed, regarding calligraphy, one might even speak of a "Banten style" known as "Banten Naskhī." Conversely, while the finest copies from other parts of Southeast Asia are often judged by their illuminations, different aesthetic canons appear to have prevailed in Banten—canons defined by the primacy accorded to calligraphy.
- Is Part Of
- Archipel