Masterpieces of the Egyptian School of Arabic Calligraphy: Selections

This catalogue offers a theoretical study of the rise and origins of Arabic calligraphy — the various theories about its derivation, its birthplace, and its development, and how that development was bound up with the beginnings of Islamic civilization. It also examines the use of the different Arabic scripts in official correspondence, Qur’ans, tombstones, foundation inscriptions, works of art, and more. A dedicated section presents the masterpieces of the Egyptian school of calligraphy, showcasing exquisite specimens by four pioneers of the art in Egypt — Sayed Ibrahim, Muhammad Ibrahim, Kamel Ibrahim, and Khudair al-Borsaidy — recounting each one’s journey with the art and introducing their lives, efforts, and the artistic treasures and pioneering panels they left behind, which still adorn calligraphy exhibitions to this day.