Jakarta, NU Online
Muslims who frequently open the Koran to recite verses from it are certainly familiar with graphic ornamentation on some pages of the holy book.

They will find decorative illustrations that appear on the first surah in the Koran,Al Fatihah (The Opening) or they may be elsewhere. The ornamentation includes extraordinarily beautiful thin, handwritten lines and perfect design that uses three or four pastel shades.

<>Currently, the public in Jakarta can observe these decorative designs. This time they are full-size.

The artwork, known as Islamic illumination, is on display during the Iranian Islamic Arts Exhibition at the National Gallery in Gambir, Central Jakarta.

The exhibition jointly organized by the Iranian Embassy and Indonesian Ministry of Culture and Tourism, runs through Dec. 24.

"During this exhibition, we are displaying artwork that includes Islamic illumination, calligraphy and carving," said Mesgari from the Iranian Embassy in Jakarta.

The exhibition underlines the closer relations between Jakarta and Tehran following a visit to Jakarta by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in May.

It is also the implementation of a mutual cooperation arrangement agreed in Tehran in July this year.

The exhibition shows the excellent artwork of Iranian artists especially in calligraphy, carving and illumination. For illumination, artists sometimes used melted gold to color their works.

"The artists often used gold to tinge an ornament. Because of the detail involved, it could take five months to finish a small ornament," Mesgari said, referring to a 15 centimeter by 20 cm illumination.

Mesgari added that some of the most spectacular illuminations and calligraphy displayed in Jakarta are handmade copies of centuries-old artwork.

"Some of the artwork on display here is a duplicate of 500-year-old art. The originals are stored at a museum in Tehran," Mesgari said.

To show visitors how to create this brilliant artwork, five Iranian artists have come to Jakarta. They will demonstrate their skills during the exhibition.

They are Mehdi Toosi (wood carving), Mohsen Aghamiri (illumination), Hadi Roshanzamir (calligraphy), Mirzajani (Koranic recitals) and Babakinejad (chief of delegation).

The artwork, especially the illuminations, has been crafted with patience and accuracy, aiming at perfection.

It takes five months or more to finish an illumination. (tjp/dar)

Iranian Islamic Arts Exhibition through Dec. 24 National Gallery Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur No. 14 Central Jakarta