Calligraphic composition on a gilded natural tobacco leaf

This frame contains a gilded natural tobacco leaf with an intricate gold calligraphic composition inscribed on it. For Muslims, the Qur'an is the visual embodiment of the Word of God and is hence considered sacred. The pious desire to beautify the Word of God was a central factor in the development of calligraphy in the Islamic world. One interesting aspect of Islamic art is that the form of expression can be found in a variety of media – on delicate leaves like this, on metalwork or as large inscriptions done in stone for buildings.