Enquiry about object: 2779
Central Asian Calligrapher’s Steel & Brass Scissors
Central Asia, probably Tashkent late 18th century
length: 13cm
Provenance
The scissors were part of a collection built up over a long lifetime by an elderly collector in Worcestershire, England.
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This fine pair of chiselled steel scissors or sheers was used by a book maker of calligrapher to trim heavier paper. Korans, and indeed any other books or documents, had to be written by hand prior to the advent of Arabic typeset. Sheers such as these were part of the calligrapher’s tools of trade.
They have round handles with tines pierced and stamped with star motifs to both sides, and a pair of short blades. The two halves are held together by a flattened brass and steel rivet.
The scissors are in excellent condition.
References
Allan, J.W., Persian Steel: The Tanavoli Collection, Yassavoli Publications, 2000.
Koc, A., et al, Istanbul: The City and the Sultan, Nieuwe Kerk, 2007.
McWilliams M. & D. Roxburgh, Traces of the Calligrapher: Islamic Calligraphy in Practice c. 1600-1900, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 2007.
Melikian-Chirvani, A.S., Le Chant du Monde: L’Art de l’Iran Safavide 1501-1736, Somogy Editions D’Art, 2007.
Savage-Smith, E., The Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art: Science, Tools & Magic, Part Two: Mundane Worlds, The Nour Foundation, 1997.
