Calligraphy: Tools of the Trade

scissors and makta used in calligraphy

You may wonder what kind of tools are used in Ottoman calligraphy. To your right is a picture of scissors and a section marker called makta.

Scissors is in the form a pelican and both have plant motifs, inlaid with gold. Their length are 16 and 13.5 cm. respectively. The edge of makta is open-worked.

19th century
Estimated value: $ 5,000

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