Micrography

Micrography (from Greek, literally small-writing – "Μικρογραφία"), also called microcalligraphy, is a Jewish form of calligrams developed in the 9th century, with parallels in Christianity and Islam,[1] utilizing minute Hebrew letters to form representational, geometric and abstract designs.

The photomosaic, whose tiny individual images form a mosaic when viewed from a distance, is a modern analogue.

There is a relationship between this form of art, employing both digital and analogic symbols, and the restrictions on images found in the second commandment.

Micrography provides a unique solution to the visual artist who wishes to remain devout in observation of Jewish law, by using only text, not images per se.

As similar restrictions exist in certain Muslim societies, this solution has been adapted in Islamic calligraphy to the Arabic alphabet as well.