Papers for Arabic Calligraphy

A Guide for UAC Students

When it comes to Arabic calligraphy, the type of paper you use can greatly impact the outcome. 

Let's take a look at the different types of paper often chosen and their strengths.

The History of Arabic Calligraphy Paper 

Origins and Evolution

The art of Arabic calligraphy, an integral part of Islamic culture, has a rich history that is closely tied to the development of paper. Paper, which revolutionized the way knowledge was recorded and disseminated, originated in China around the 2nd century BCE and was introduced to the Islamic world in the 8th century CE. The advent of paper significantly impacted Arabic calligraphy, providing a new medium that was more versatile and accessible than previous materials.

Types of Paper in Arabic Calligraphy

Over the centuries, various types of paper have been developed and utilized for Arabic calligraphy:

Papyrus Clay Tablets Parchment Vellum Early Islamic Paper      European Paper  Modern Calligraphy Paper

Papyrus

Papyrus, developed in Ancient Egypt around 3000 BCE, was made from the pith of the papyrus plant. This early writing material was lightweight and relatively easy to produce but brittle and prone to damage over time. In the context of Arabic calligraphy, papyrus was used in the early Islamic period for recording texts, although its use was eventually supplanted by more durable materials.

Period of Use:

 Ancient Egypt to Early Islamic period

Primary Composition:

 Pith of the papyrus plant

Characteristics:

 Brittle, limited durability, lightweight

Usage in Arabic Calligraphy:

 Used for early texts, especially in Egypt

Advantages:

Lightweight, readily available in Egypt

Disadvantages:

Brittle, not very durable

Clay Tablets

Clay tablets, used primarily in ancient Mesopotamia, represent one of the earliest forms of writing materials. These tablets, created from wet clay and inscribed with cuneiform script, were durable but heavy. Although not used directly in Arabic calligraphy, their historical significance lies in their role in the development of writing systems that influenced later cultures, including those that contributed to the evolution of Arabic calligraphy.

Period of Use:

 Ancient Mesopotamia

Primary Composition:

 Clay

Characteristics:

 Durable but heavy and cumbersome

Usage in Arabic Calligraphy:

 Not used in Arabic calligraphy, but important in early regional writing traditions

Advantages:

Highly durable, long-lasting

Disadvantages:

Heavy, difficult to transport and store

Parchment

Parchment, made from the processed skins of animals such as sheep or goats, was a significant advancement in writing materials due to its durability and flexibility. It provided a smooth surface for writing and was widely used in the medieval period for manuscripts, including those featuring early Arabic calligraphy. Its durability made it suitable for preserving important texts and documents.

Period of Use:

 Ancient to Medieval periods

Primary Composition:

 Animal skins (sheep, goat)

Characteristics:

 Durable, flexible, smooth surface

Usage in Arabic Calligraphy:

 Used for important manuscripts and documents

Advantages:

Durable, flexible, smooth

Disadvantages:

Expensive, time-consuming to produce

 Vellum

Vellum, a finer quality of parchment made from calfskin, offered an even smoother and more durable surface than standard parchment. This material was prized for its quality and was often used for high-status documents and religious manuscripts. In Arabic calligraphy, vellum provided an ideal medium for elaborate and decorative scripts, reflecting the artistry and importance of the texts.

Period of Use:

 Ancient to Medieval periods

Primary Composition:

 Calf skins

Characteristics:

 Highly durable, very smooth and fine surface

Usage in Arabic Calligraphy:

 Used for high-quality religious texts and manuscripts

Advantages:

Extremely durable, very smooth surface

Disadvantages:

Very expensive, limited availability

Early Islamic Paper    

Introduced to the Islamic world in the 8th century CE, early Islamic paper was made from flax, hemp, and recycled rags. This material revolutionized writing by making it more accessible and affordable compared to parchment and vellum. Paper's smoother surface and versatility allowed for the widespread production of manuscripts and contributed to the development of various Arabic calligraphic styles, such as Kufic and Naskh scripts.

Period of Use:

 8th century CE onward

Primary Composition:

 Flax, hemp, recycled rags

Characteristics:

 Durable, smooth, more accessible than parchment

Usage in Arabic Calligraphy:

 Became widespread after introduction in Samarkand and Baghdad

Advantages:

More accessible, easier to produce than parchment

Disadvantages:

Less durable than vellum and parchment

 European Paper

By the medieval period, European paper, made from linen and cotton rags, began to be introduced into the Islamic world through trade. This paper was less expensive and more readily available than traditional materials. Its adoption facilitated the proliferation of Arabic calligraphy across various regions, leading to the development of scripts like Diwani and Thuluth.

Period of Use:

 Medieval to Modern periods

Primary Composition:

 Linen, cotton rags

Characteristics:

 Less expensive, widely available

Usage in Arabic Calligraphy:

 Adopted due to trade and availability in the Islamic world

Advantages:

Inexpensive, widely available

Disadvantages:

Varied quality, not always durable

 Modern Calligraphy Paper

Modern calligraphy paper, produced from cotton and cellulose fibers, represents the latest advancement in writing materials. It is designed to be high-quality, durable, and acid-free, providing a smooth surface that enhances the performance of modern inks. This paper supports a wide range of calligraphic techniques and is preferred for contemporary Arabic calligraphy, combining traditional aesthetics with modern technology.

Period of Use:

 Contemporary

Primary Composition:

 Cotton, cellulose fibers

Characteristics:

 High durability, smooth, acid-free

Usage in Arabic Calligraphy:

 Preferred for modern calligraphy due to its quality and ink-holding properties

Advantages:

High quality, durable, smooth, acid-free

Disadvantages:

Can be expensive

 

Materials Used in Paper Making

The quality of paper significantly influences the practice of Arabic calligraphy. Modern calligraphy paper is crafted with specific materials and processes to ensure durability, smoothness, and the best possible surface for intricate scriptwork. Here, we explore the essential components: cellulose fibers, sizing agents, fillers, and coatings.

The combination of cellulose fibers, sizing agents, fillers, and coatings creates a paper that meets the high standards required for Arabic calligraphy. Each component plays a critical role in ensuring the paper's quality, allowing calligraphers to produce beautiful, lasting works of art. 

The primary materials used in traditional papermaking include:

Cellulose Fibers

These are the main component of paper and can be sourced from various plants, such as cotton, flax, hemp, and wood.

Sizing Agents

Sizing is added to paper to reduce its absorbency, making it suitable for writing and printing. Historically, gelatin and starch were used as sizing agents.

Fillers and Coatings

Fillers like clay and calcium carbonate are used to improve the paper's surface properties, while coatings can provide additional smoothness and durability.

Historical Writing Materials

Before the advent of paper, various materials were used for writing in the Islamic world:

Papyrus

As mentioned earlier, papyrus was an early writing material but was eventually supplanted by more durable alternatives.

Parchment and Vellum

These materials remained in use for many centuries, especially for religious texts and important documents.

Clay Tablets

In ancient Mesopotamia, clay tablets were used for cuneiform writing. Though not directly related to Arabic calligraphy, they represent an early form of written communication in the broader region.

Stone and Metal

Inscriptions on stone and metal were used for monumental purposes, such as recording royal decrees and religious texts.

Timeline

3000 BCE - 600 CE
Ancient Period
  • Clay Tablets Early forms of writing in Mesopotamia
  • Papyrus Used for early Islamic texts
  • Parchment/Vellum Development of early Arabic scripts
600 - 1000 CE 
610 CE 
751 CE 
800 CE 
900 CE
Early Islamic Period  
Early Islamic Paper:

  • Introduction of paper, flourishing of Kufic script​
  •  Revelation of the Quran
  •  First paper mills in Samarkand 
  • Paper mills in Baghdad 
  • Flourishing of Kufic script 

1000 - 1500 CE
1000 CE 
1200 CE 
1300 CE  

Medieval Period

European Paper:

  • Development of Naskh and Thuluth scripts
  • Development of Naskh script
  • Introduction of European paper  
  • Prominence of Thuluth script  
1500 - 1800 CE 
1500 CE 
1600 CE 
1700 CE
Early Modern Period
European Paper:

  • Emergence of Diwani and Nasta'liq scripts
  • Emergence of Diwani script
  • Expansion of Nasta'liq script
  • Increased use of European paper
1800 - Present
1800 CE
1900 CE
2000 CE

Modern Period

Modern Calligraphy Paper


  • Mass production of paper, digital tools influence
  • Industrialization of paper production
  • Revival of traditional styles, new materials
  • Digital revolution in calligraphy

Overall about Calligraphy Paper

The history of Arabic calligraphy paper is a testament to the cultural and technological advancements of the Islamic world. From the early days of papyrus and parchment to the sophisticated paper of today, the materials used in Arabic calligraphy have evolved to meet the needs of this intricate and revered art form. Understanding this history is crucial for students at the University of Arabic Calligraphy, as it provides a foundation for appreciating the materials and techniques that have shaped this beautiful and enduring tradition.