کتابداری و اطلاعرسانی (Sep 2017)
An investigation into the structure of the figures and patterns of Quranic illuminations of the Timurid era preserved in the Museum of Astan Quds Razavi
Abstract
Purpose: This research aimed to investigate the Quranic illuminations of the Timurid era preserved in Astan Quds Razavi Museum and to identify the Qur'anic figures such as: Shamsa, opening prayer, frontispiece, text pages (page margins), verse marks (Juz’, Sajdah, Hizb), the flower of the verses, the list of Surahs and ending pages, deals with the layout and structure of the form of paintings and colors. Methodology: The present research was conducted through a descriptive-analytical survey method. The needed data were collected through library resources and collecting pictures available in the museums. By studying the Qur'anic works available in the museum of Astan Quds Razavi and consulting with the experts of this department, seven exquisite manuscripts related to the Timurid era and the subject matter of this study were selected using targeted sampling method. By examining these manuscripts, the characteristics of their figures were specified. Results: The findings showed that the structure of visual elements included types of decorative motifs including arabesque, khataei, geometric, and calligraphic patterns. Arabesque motifs with 38.8% were the most frequently used decorative motifs, and calligraphy (27.3%), khataei flowers (22.4%) and geometric patterns (3.4%) were distributed on the pages. The layouts were structured in 3 inscriptions, 5 inscriptions and 6 inscriptions. On average, pages were decorated with gold divisions. Azure and gold were the most frequently used colors in these works. Conclusion: Considering that the Astan Quds Razavi Museum is one of the great collections in the world and housed the most precious illuminated Qurans, the Qur'anic manuscripts of the Timurid era have outstanding features, including strength, logic, order and rhythm, symmetry, organized structures, and golden layouts. Therefore, the recognition of the formal structure of decorative elements - visual and written elements- and their application in the Quran decoration is necessary for an accurate understanding of the authenticity of motifs. The original decorative motifs such as arabesque, khatei, geometric patterns as well as calligraphy styles such as Naskh, Mohaqiq, etc. have been used to decorate the Timurid Qur'ans, which describe the original features of the Timurid Quranic illuminations, and using these analyzed elements play a crucial role in strengthening the intellectual foundations of the artistic educational system of Iran.
