Sino-arabic calligraphy :form, function and aesthetic values - a case study of Haji Noor Deen Mi Guang Jiang

Abstract

Islamic arts has played an important part in the development of the Chinese Muslim community. It has developed through time in response to cultural needs of minority Muslim groups, as Islamic calligraphy is widely used in decorative art design. This study aims to analyze Islamic arts in China, particularly on Sino-Arabic calligraphy’s forms, functions and aesthetic values. The research method is based on the qualitative research approach. A broad range of information is collected from various sources, such as documents, samples of calligraphy, photographs, microfilm and interviews of famous Chinese Sino Arabic calligrapher. The data reveals the characteristics of Sino-Arabic calligraphy which is a combination of Arabic and Chinese script patterns. These led to the development of a unique Sino-Arabic writing style, which displays the aspects of the two cultures’ aesthetic heritage. For the continuity, revival and preservation of this forgotten heritage, the data reveals the contribution of the famous Chinese calligrapher, Haji Noor Deen Mi Guang Jiang to this great work. He established the Chinese House for the Arts of Islamic Arabic Calligraphy in Zhengzhou in order to promote and preserve China’s traditional Islamic calligraphy. Not only that, the institute offers classes in Sino-Arabic calligraphy and works with museums and universities from around the world to promote understanding of the history of the traditional Islamic arts in China. Based on this, the researcher recommends the revision of a few records within Islamic arts calligraphy in China, and assistance in examining the topic in depth. This will help develop guidelines for regional expansion and adaptation of Islamic arts, its forms, functions and aesthetic values, with the local environmental condition to contribute more to the future of the Muslim civilization.