"Three Men Before a Castle", Folio from a Khavarannama (The Book of the East) of ibn Husam al-Din 1451 - 1511

This folio from a Khavarannama, or Book of the East, attributed to Maulana Muhammad Ibn Husam ad Din around the 15th century, presents three men before a castle using ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper. The materiality here is fascinating. The artist has worked on paper, a relatively common support, but elevated it through the application of precious materials such as gold leaf. The vivid colors achieved with opaque watercolors speak to a highly skilled and meticulous application process. The narrative scene with the characters, the verdant landscape, and the architectural details of the castle require considerable labor to realize. The relationship between the materials, labor, and social context is clear. The artist would have needed access to specific pigments and the gold, indicating patronage from wealthy sources. The very act of creating such a detailed illustration underscores the value placed on craftsmanship within the society. It is a testament to the rich artistic traditions flourishing at the time.