Essential Materials You Need to Start the Art of Tezhip (2025 Guide)
Tezhip (illumination) is one of the most elegant and patience-demanding decorative arts that has reached us from the Ottoman era. It requires finesse, attention, and an aesthetic perspective. However, the question beginners are most curious about is usually: “What materials do I need for Tezhip?”
Here is a guide to the essential materials you must acquire as you take your first step into the art of Tezhip.
1. Paper Selection
The quality of the paper used in Tezhip directly affects how the paint sits and the brilliance of the gold leaf.
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Handmade Paper: Provides a traditional Tezhip feel thanks to its natural texture. Starch-sized (ahar) paper can be applied by the user.
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Pre-sized Starch (Ahar) Paper: Ideal for beginners; it is a ready-to-use and practical option.
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Factory-made Paper: An affordable choice for the beginner level.
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Tracing Paper: Used for transferring designs and making stencils.
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Matte Board: Used for both protection and presentation; it can also be worked on directly for designs.
2. Pencil and Drawing Tools
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Mechanical Pencil (0.3 mm or 0.5 mm): Suitable for fine detail drawing.
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Ruler: Rulers with non-slip bases help you achieve clean lines.
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Compass Set: Essential for geometric patterns. A needle stabilizer attachment prevents you from puncturing the paper.
3. Brushes
In the art of Tezhip, sable hair brushes are essential.
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Sable Hair Brushes: Indispensable for cross-hatching, outlining, and fine details.
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Quality Sable Brushes: Provides controlled drawing because the tip keeps its shape well.
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Cheap Brushes: The tips can deform quickly; they may cause difficulties with details.
4. Gold and Gilding Materials
For gold application, the most impressive part of Tezhip, the following materials are needed:
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Genuine Gold Leaf: Ideal for professional work but costly.
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Gilding Watercolors: An economical alternative at the beginner level.
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Burnisher (Agate Stone): Used to add shine to the gold surface.
5. Paints
Selecting quality paint ensures that colors remain long-lasting and vibrant.
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Artist Series: Single-pigment paints like Schmincke Horadam provide more homogeneous results.
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Student Series: Schmincke Akademie Gouache or Talens Gouache are suitable for starting.
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Professional Gouache Series: Schmincke Designer or Horadam Calligraphy Gouache provide extra opacity.
6. Other Auxiliary Materials
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Palette: Glass or ceramic palettes yield more accurate results in color mixing.
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Brush Cleaner: Extends the life of the brush; natural soaps should be preferred.
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Needle tool: Ideal for stippling and tiny details.
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Light Table: Facilitates design transfer.
Conclusion and Starter Advice
You don’t need a long shopping list to start the art of Tezhip. You can take your first step into this unique art with quality paper, a good brush, a few gouache paints, and basic drawing tools.
As your experience increases, diversifying the materials you use will visibly increase the quality of your work.
Tip: It is best to choose quality products suitable for the beginner level rather than expensive materials. In particular, brush and paint quality are the most important elements determining your progress. To view the materials, click here!
