Content of This Book

This book considers the arts of the book (calligraphy, miniature painting, illumination, bookbinding and etc.) at the royal courts of Greater Iran and other Islamic region from the seventh through eighteenth centuries.The text is organized in sixteen major parts:

• Chapter 1: Calligraphy Tools & Materials

The introduction of calligraphy fundamental tools includes: pen, ink, paper and etc.

• Chapter 2: Ink

The explanation of different ancient Inks, and how to make.

• Chapter 3: Pen Box (Qalamdan)

The introduction of Qalamdan history and Explaining of different kinds of Pen Box (i.e. engraved silver, varnished papier mâché)

• Chapter 4: Paper

The presentation of paper history, Explain and discuss of variant handmade papers in Iran and papermaking.

• Chapter 5: Colored Papers

The introduction and explanation variant of national pigment used in Colored paper and dyed Techniques.

• Chapter 6: Marbled Papers

The history of Marbling, and Introduction of different Patterns and Techniques.

• Chapter 7: Coated Papers

The introduction and explain of variant Coated Paper, tools and Techniques. (* Before a piece of paper is used for calligraphy, it is usually dyed, then coated with a starch mixture is known as “ahar”)

• Chapter 8: Book Sizes

The introduction and explain of variant book sizes and types in civilization of Iran.

• Chapter 9: Papercutting (Qit’a)

The introduction and explain types and variation of papercutting in Persian calligraphy, illumination and Bookbinding.

• Chapter 10: Gold leaf Uses

The introduction and explain variant Gold leaf, tools and Techniques.

• Chapter 11: Association Calligraphy and Illumination

Explaining and discussing about Association Calligraphy and illumination in Arts of Book.

• Chapter 12: Passe-Partout (framing)

The introduction and explain variant tabulating and Passe-Partout.

• Chapter 13: Bookbinding

The introduction and explain the Persian art of Bookbinding.

• Chapter 14: Principle of Persian Calligraphy

The introduction of history of Islamic and Persian calligraphy, and explain core skills and major factor in Persian Calligraphy.

• Chapter 15: Conservation and Restoration of Manuscripts and Documents

The introduction of deterioration Agents (i.e. Inherent vice, Pests, Environmental conditions, Handling), Proper storage methods and restoration techniques.

• Chapter 16: Vocabulary

The presentation of major terms relating to calligraphy and Arts of Book.