Kilij with square kufic inscriptions

rand · 11th August 2007, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erlikhan

Right, the figures look like 975 in Arabic numbers, but in a decorated way.

Do you have an opinion as to when the calligraphy was done?

Thanks,

rand

rand · 11th August 2007, 03:45 AM

Started this new thread when I realized I had deviated away from Artzi's thread on his kilijs with inscriptions.

This sword has a different style calligraphy, its the same type calligraphy as the Quran was writen in. It is also the only calligraphy ever used to decorate the exterior of building, such as Samarkand.

The calligraphy on this blade apprears to be in the square kufic style.
http://www.sakkal.com/Arab_Calligraphy_Art6.html

Square kufic alphabet
http://www.sakkal.com/instrctn/sq_kufi_alphabet.html

Above are links to examples of Square kufic script.

rand

rand · 11th August 2007, 04:14 AM

The swords with the green ray skin on handle belonged to Sultan Selim I, 16th century. "Decorated with kufic inscriptions,resettes,rumi scrolls, palmettes, and tulip motifs" quote from Military Museum catalog.

What I hope to start, is a gradual accumlation of datable inscriptions to help determine a time period for the date of these sword types. A typology of Islamic swords based on blade style, calligraphy, metallurgy, metalwork (such as types of inlay), art design progression, hilt styles, pommels, grip styles, grip scale materials, grip scale coverings, dimensions,weight, cross section of blade, crossguards, scabbard style and so on....

rand

rand · 11th August 2007, 04:24 AM

The technique used to inlay the gold on the 16th century swords posted above are unknown to me,

The first kilij posted on this thread has a form of channel cut inlay used to make the inscriptions. The blade has the appearance of a raised section cartouche by chiseling away steel and a sharper curve to its blade when compared with Sultan Suleymans kilij.

One thing to take note of is the 16th century swords above have animal skin wrapped over the handle.

rand

11th August 2007, 03:45 AM	#2
rand Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 539	Square Kufic Inscriptions Started this new thread when I realized I had deviated away from Artzi's thread on his kilijs with inscriptions. This sword has a different style calligraphy, its the same type calligraphy as the Quran was writen in. It is also the only calligraphy ever used to decorate the exterior of building, such as Samarkand. The calligraphy on this blade apprears to be in the square kufic style. http://www.sakkal.com/Arab_Calligraphy_Art6.html Square kufic alphabet http://www.sakkal.com/instrctn/sq_kufi_alphabet.html Above are links to examples of Square kufic script. rand

11th August 2007, 04:14 AM	#3
rand Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 539	16th century sword with square kufic calligraphy The swords with the green ray skin on handle belonged to Sultan Selim I, 16th century. "Decorated with kufic inscriptions,resettes,rumi scrolls, palmettes, and tulip motifs" quote from Military Museum catalog. What I hope to start, is a gradual accumlation of datable inscriptions to help determine a time period for the date of these sword types. A typology of Islamic swords based on blade style, calligraphy, metallurgy, metalwork (such as types of inlay), art design progression, hilt styles, pommels, grip styles, grip scale materials, grip scale coverings, dimensions,weight, cross section of blade, crossguards, scabbard style and so on.... rand Attached Images Last edited by rand; 11th August 2007 at 04:39 AM.

11th August 2007, 04:24 AM	#4
rand Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 539	16th century swords The technique used to inlay the gold on the 16th century swords posted above are unknown to me, The first kilij posted on this thread has a form of channel cut inlay used to make the inscriptions. The blade has the appearance of a raised section cartouche by chiseling away steel and a sharper curve to its blade when compared with Sultan Suleymans kilij. One thing to take note of is the 16th century swords above have animal skin wrapped over the handle. rand Last edited by rand; 11th August 2007 at 04:34 AM.