Persian Nastaliq script

This work is from a book containing the poems of three hundred poets. The manuscript is in a well-written Nastaliq script. This leaf has small decorative elements and ruled lines of washed gold and color. With amazing skill and perfection each of the fine hairlines in the border is exactly superimposed on the corresponding one of the reverse side, thereby insuring perfect register on both sides of this fine, transparent paper. In the Islamic world, calligraphy was the most important art and examples in this fine Nastaliq script is greatly honored. Beauty was more important than legibility. This script was usually reserved for writing poetry because of its great beauty. This slanting manner of writing gave it the name of hanging writing.