Page with illuminated calligraphy, Hadith (Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad)

Ottoman calligraphers often demonstrated their skills by writing different styles and sizes of Arabic script on rectangular sheets of paper, which were then illuminated, mounted on pasteboard, and assembled into accordion fold albums, known as muraqqaʿ. This calligraphic panel containing Hadith, or sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, is likely the first folio in a muraqqaʿ. The heading was composed using the muhaqqaq style of script and the small lines were composed using the rayhani style. An illuminator added floral decorations and, for the verse markers, elaborate pinwheel medallions painted with gold and red and blue dots. This calligraphic panel is bordered by gold margins and marbled papers speckled with gold leaf.