Ornamentation an art fuelled by passion and patience

Between the lines of Arabic script and the glitter of gold, Omani ornamentation weaves tales of a civilisation that has spanned centuries, remaining a testament to the fact that traditional crafts are not only a legacy of the past but also an asset for the future.
Calligrapher and ornamentalist Anwaar bint Khalifa al Hasani recounts her experience with the art of ornamentation, emphasising that mastery begins with passion, continues with knowledge, and culminates in a national message that preserves the memory and beauty of the place.
Al Hasani explains that her journey with this art began more than ten years ago, after obtaining her Arabic calligraphy licence in 2014. Her passion for ancient manuscripts led her to specialise in Islamic ornamentation, driven by her admiration for the precision with which her ancestors created their works using simple tools. This reinforced her sense of responsibility to preserve this artistic heritage and pass it on to future generations.

She believes that Omani ornamentation is distinguished by its refined simplicity and avoidance of exaggeration. It is characterised by geometric patterns inspired by castles and forts, alongside serene floral motifs found in wooden ceilings and Omani mihrabs. She emphasises that this art reflects the spirit of openness for which Oman has been known throughout its history, through its assimilation of cultural influences from East Africa, Persia, and India, and their reinterpretation into an authentic Omani style.
She points out that the Omani environment has been the primary source of inspiration for artists. Earthy colours are inspired by the mountains and desert, while wooden carvings draw inspiration from the sea's undulations. Craftsmen of the past relied on local natural materials such as mineral and plant pigments, gold, and leather. Today, artists use hand-painted paper, specialised watercolours, and 22- and 24-karat natural gold, ensuring the quality and longevity of their work.

Al Hasani explained that ornamentation has transitioned from a traditional practice on architectural and wooden surfaces to a science based on precise geometric principles, taught academically. This is further enhanced by the use of modern techniques in gilding and the restoration of artworks. She also highlighted contemporary initiatives that contribute to the revival of Omani ornamentation, most notably the 'Echoes of Omani Manuscripts' project, which reinterprets historical motifs and presents them in modern artworks that blend authenticity with contemporary style.
Despite this momentum, Al Hasani emphasises that the art of ornamentation still faces several challenges, most notably the limited availability of specialised raw materials and the lengthy time required to complete handcrafted pieces. She also highlights the need for more specialised academic studies on Omani ornamentation and the documentation of its traditional styles, warning that some traditional motifs may disappear if they are not scientifically documented and digitised.

Al Hasani commends the efforts of cultural institutions, particularly the Omani Society for Fine Arts and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, in organising specialised workshops and exhibitions. She expresses her hope for the broader integration of ornamentation into academic curricula, which would contribute to cultivating a generation that understands the cultural and aesthetic value of this art.
She further asserts that the future of Omani ornamentation depends on its ability to keep pace with the times by integrating it into digital design, interior decoration, fashion design, and modern architecture. She also advocates for investment in creative and tourism industries through the production of luxury souvenirs and the organisation of interactive art workshops for tourists, thereby strengthening the position of traditional crafts as a cultural and economic resource.

Al Hasani said Omani decoration and calligraphy carry a civilisational signature of ancestors who excelled in creating beauty, and that the responsibility of the present generation is to continue, preserve, and develop this heritage so that it remains present in the contemporary Omani cultural scene.