Double Frontispiece for the Kolliat by Anonymous

Double Frontispiece for the Kolliat c. 16th century

gold-on-paper

natural stone pattern

toned paper

water colours

muted colour palette

pottery

gold-on-paper

traditional architecture

tile art

stoneware

wooden texture

watercolor

This 16th century double frontispiece is a beautiful example of Islamic calligraphy and decorative arts. The artwork features a complex geometric design of repeating floral patterns in vibrant colors, such as blue, red, and gold. The intricate design, known as a "khatai," surrounds a central panel with calligraphic text written in elegant script. This double frontispiece would have adorned a significant manuscript, showcasing the skill and artistry of its anonymous creator.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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This sumptuous double frontispiece has survived from a Kolliat manuscript originally written by the great Persian poet Sa'di. Illuminated opening pages such as these are typical of the ornate chapter headings, embellished script, and marginal decorations that frequently graced the Koran and other religious manuscripts, as well as literary classics. The decoration consists of a wide floral arabesque framing the central rectangular unit, which is, in turn, divided into three fields by braided and floral bands. Each of these units bears inscriptions in ornate cursive script. These two pages demonstrate a highly developed sense of design and an extraordinary virtuosity in the application of colors and gold leaf.