What is the Art of Tezhip?

Tezhip, literally meaning “gilding” or “adornment with gold,” is the art of illumination. This elegant art form, extending from the Ottoman era to the present day, has transformed manuscripts, copies of the Quran, and imperial firmans into works of art by decorating their borders with gold and pigments. It is not merely a decorative technique, but a combination of patience, elegance, and an understanding of aesthetics. Today, the art of tezhip continues to live on through both classical patterns and modern interpretations.

The art of tezhip is the decorative art practiced to embellish the borders of handwritten books, calligraphy plates, certificates, and firmans. The primary material of this art is gold powder, though natural pigments, fine brushes, liquid inks, and specialized papers are also used.
Patterns in tezhip generally possess a symmetrical structure; classical Ottoman motifs such as geometric designs, rumi, hatai, clouds, and hatayi stand out. Each line bears the mark of the artist’s handiwork and patience.

Historical Process

The roots of the art of tezhip stretch back to Central Asia. Its earliest examples in the Islamic world are found in the 9th century. While geometric patterns were prominent during the Seljuk period, the art reached its zenith during the Ottoman era.
In the 16th century, during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, artists working at the Nakkaşhane-i Hümayun (Imperial Studio) elevated the art of tezhip to its peak. Great master painters like Şahkulu and Karamemi created works during this period, and the classical understanding of tezhip was shaped in this era.
Following the Ottoman era, tezhip was institutionalized once more through art schools during the Republican period, and today it is kept alive with traditional styles in Fine Arts Faculties and private workshops.

Areas of Use

In the past, the art of tezhip was primarily used for decorating religious or official documents such as handwritten Qurans, firmans, certificates, and calligraphy plates.
Today, however, artists are bringing tezhip techniques into broader fields:

• In painting compositions, combined with calligraphy and miniature arts,

• As decorative elements on ceramic, glass, and fabric surfaces,

• With modern interpretations on invitations, album covers, and custom designs,

• In promoting traditional art through museum and exhibition projects.

This variety demonstrates that tezhip can adapt to both classical and contemporary artistic sensibilities.

The art of tezhip is one of the most elegant and patience-demanding branches of Turkish-Islamic culture. Each gold line reflects the aesthetic understanding and world of belief of its era. Today, modern artists are both preserving this ancient tradition and interpreting it in a way that suits the spirit of the age.

If you wish to begin tezhip studies or improve your artistry, you can find high-quality materials at Karin Sanat.

Materials Used in Tezhip

The materials used in a tezhip work reflect the delicacy of the art:

• Gold leaf: Determines the brilliance and value of the work.

• Pigment paints: High-quality paints made from pure pigments appear vivid and maintain their vibrancy for a long time.

• Brush: Generally made from sable hair.

• Paper: Sized and burnished specialized tezhip papers are preferred.

• Burnisher (Mühre): Used to give the paper shine and durability.

In addition to the materials mentioned here, many drawing tools and auxiliary supplies are used. For example, mat boards, ruling pens, compasses, pattern transfer papers, and many other items are used. At Karin Sanat, each of these materials is offered with carefully selected brands for those devoted to the art of tezhip.