DOHA.- Sotheby’s presented its landmark calligraphic auction which will take place at the Ritz-Carlton hotel, Doha on the 16 December. The 145-lot auction will showcase works by over 65 artists from 24 countries, with 82 pieces in the sale which are contemporary interpretations of calligraphy. The entire auction carries a pre-sale estimate of in excess of USD$4 million. The auction takes place in the year that Doha is Doha: Arab Capital of Culture 2010. ‘Hurouf: The Art of the Word’ traces the developments of the Arabic script from its inception, with kufic leaves dating from the 8th century, through popular calligraphy of the 19th century to the highest calibre works by international calligraphers working today. In selecting some of the most talented, revered and innovative calligraphers working with the Arabic script from, among others, Japan, the United States, Turkey, the Middle East, China and the Indian S