What Is Tezhip? The Craft of Gold Illumination

Tezhip is the fine art of illumination made with gold leaf and natural pigments on paper or leather. Short answer: The word tezhip means to gild; the essence of the art is preparing ground gold with gelatin, laying it down, then burnishing it to a shine. Motifs: Rumi, hatayi, penc, bud and cloud motifs are the main figure-free patterns; the shamsa and salbek set the centre of a composition. Process: The pattern is first pricked onto paper, gold is laid, burnished, then fine outlines are drawn with coloured ink. Each stage demands its own patience. At Arakiye illuminated panels are one of a kind; natural pigment and genuine gold are used, and the work is certified with the master's signature.