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Calligraphy
Tue, 2 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT
Calligraphy, a term derived from the Greek word for "beautiful writing," is a form of artistic writing practiced by cultures throughout the world for millennia. Regarded in China and Japan as the greatest of the visual arts, calligraphy also figures prominently in Islamic art, which forbids the depiction of human and animal forms. Calligraphic works can range from functional, hand-lettered inscriptions to abstract fine art pieces. Which 21st cent calligraphic work cost some $4 million to create?
Hashshashin
Mon, 1 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT
The historical referents of the term "assassin," the Hashshashin were a secret society of Ismaili Shia Muslims who specialized in politically motivated killings of Crusaders and Muslim rulers. Much of the lore surrounding the feared sect, which originated in Persia and was active from 1090 to 1272, stems from Marco Polo's likely fictional account of his visit to the city of Alamut in 1273. What drug is believed to be the root of the term "Hashshashin," and what was its connection to the sect?
Mahjong Tiles
Sun, 30 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT
These popular tiles are used to play many games of Chinese origin, most notably Mahjong. Traditionally, the pieces were made of bone and backed with bamboo, but most modern sets are constructed from various plastics and contain between 136 and 144 tiles. The symbols on the tiles—the majority of which have a rank and suit like playing cards—are almost always engraved or pressed into the material. How do some expert players determine the face value of their tiles without actually looking at them?
