Page "Aesthetics" Paragraph 11

The calligraphic arts grew out of an effort to devote oneself to the study of the Quran.

By patiently transcribing each word of the text, the writer was made to contemplate the meaning of it.

As time passed, these calligraphic works began to be prized as works of art, growing increasingly elaborate in the illumination and stylizing of the text.

These illuminations were applied to other works besides the Quran, and it became a respected art form in and of itself.