19th century illuminated and embossed calligraphy



Category: Evolution of Calligraphy in India

Period:  (1800-1899) Pre-Independence

References: https://digitalorientalist.com/2021/02/05/fingernail-art-three-dimensional-calligraphy-and-drawing-in-the-19th-century/


Detailed Description

This image is from an Indian album, dated 1866–67, at the Victoria and Albert Museum. India began to receive and practice fingernail art in the latter part of the 1800s. The method remained essentially the same, but it was enhanced with native decorations like colouring, gilding, and lighting the previously unadorned surface. The calligraphy's elevated surface and background are gilded in addition to its lit borders.


Related Contents (34)