ABSTRACT
To cite Berthold Laufer’s observation: It is a memorable fact that the two most calligraphic systems of the Orient – Chinese and Arabic – have met in a pleasing and peaceful rendez-vous on Chinese soil and that Arabic calligraphy has proved itself adaptable to Chinese art and acceptable to Chinese taste. Sini script may be defined as a Chinese-Islamic calligraphic form for Arabic letters. This was another new style of penmanship which integrated elements of the cursive Thuluth script that was favored in Persia together with traditional Chinese characters. Pickens’ collection also includes a work with the inventory description ‘Sino-Islamic scroll with Koranic verse written in Arabic calligraphy’. The core of his collection was made between 1927–1937, which is presumably when Pickens acquired this artwork. Nevertheless, ornamental Islamic calligraphy in China today is most commonly written on fine paper with either short bristled brushes or wooden spatulas.
