Qur'an Bookbinding Inset with Turquoise

Unknown

16th century · Leather; stamped, painted, gilded, and inset with turquoise · Islamic Art

The stamped and gilded techniques used for this leather binding were common in the Middle East, especially in Iran where the art first developed, and in Turkey, where it was perfected. Central almond-shaped medallions and concave fillings in the four corners are common features of Islamic books. Ottoman book covers with this kind of composition and floral design served as models for a great number of Venetian Renaissance bookbindings and, more surprisingly, Venetian furniture as well.

Artist

Unknown

Date

16th century

Medium

Leather; stamped, painted, gilded, and inset with turquoise

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1956