How to Take the First Step into the Art of Tezhip and Miniature?

1. A Brief History of the Arts of Tezhip and Miniature

1.1 The Origin of the Art of Tezhip

The word “Tezhip” is of Arabic origin and means “ornamentation with gold”.
Its first examples were seen in the Islamic geography in the 9th century and were brought to Anatolia with the Seljuks.
During the Ottoman period, it reached its zenith, particularly in the era of Suleiman the Magnificent. Artists working in the palace workshops (nakkaşhanes) created unique masterpieces by decorating edicts, Quran copies, and book bindings with gold.
During this period, great masters such as Karamemi and Shahkulu established the classical style of tezhip.

1.2 The Development of the Art of Miniature

Miniature consists of detailed, two-dimensional paintings that depict events and heroes on the pages of illuminated manuscripts.
Its first examples appeared during the Seljuk period, and it was enriched during the Ottoman era with scenes that visualized historical events thanks to artists like Matrakçı Nasuh.
Unlike the Western understanding of perspective, depth in miniature is achieved through layered narration rather than linear perspective. Every detail is a symbol; nature, people, and space are handled with the same aesthetic language.

2. Differences Between Tezhip and Miniature

These two arts often combine in the same work: a miniature may be placed in the center of a page, with tezhip decorations surrounding it.

3. What You Should Know Before Starting the Art of Tezhip and Miniature

1. Patience and precision:
   Progress in these arts is slow but lasting. Every pattern is perfected through repeated practice.

2. Master-apprentice tradition:
   Working with an instructor or in a workshop environment is essential to learn traditional methods.

3. Awareness of art history:
   Examining classical period works, motifs, and color philosophy prepares you to produce original works.

4. Correct choice of materials:
   At the first step, choosing the right paper, brushes, paints, and gold materials is highly decisive.

4. Essential Materials for Tezhip and Miniature

At Karin Sanat, you can find materials suitable for every level, from beginners to professionals in the arts of tezhip and miniature.
Below, you can find the basic tools and equipment along with their intended uses:

4.1 Papers

• "Aharlı" (Sized) papers: Prepared so that the surface does not spread during paint and gold application, allowing work on an appropriate base. Starch-sized papers are used in tezhip and miniature. Egg-sized papers are generally preferred more in calligraphy (hat) as they are slightly harder for paint to adhere to.

• Miniature papers: Thick-textured, water-resistant papers are preferred.

• Special handmade papers: Karin Sanat offers Japanese Awagami, Nepalese, and locally produced tezhip papers.

4.2 Paints

• Gouache and watercolors: Used especially in miniature works. Schmincke brand watercolors and gouache paints are prepared with high-quality pigments and natural binders, which not only facilitate application but are also of great importance for preserving color vibrancy for many years. High-quality paints provide longer usage due to their high density. Thanks to the high pigment concentration, you can color even large areas with a small amount of paint while maintaining vibrancy.

4.3 Brushes

• Sable hair brushes: Ideal for fine lines, scanning, and detail drawings. Brushes with high-quality bristles are more durable and provide the artist with ease in detailed work as their tips maintain their shape well.

• Squirrel hair brushes: Preferred for color transitions and filling in areas. They have high water-holding capacity and are quite soft, but they do not allow for the detailed drawing that sable hair does. There are many options among Da Vinci brand brushes. You can find brushes with different bristle structures and forms for every purpose.

4.4 Gold and Gilding Materials

• Gold leaf: The primary ornamentation material in traditional tezhip. Eytzinger brand gold leaf stands out with its high weight.

• Crushed Gold: Prepared as “gold water” by mixing with gelatin.

• Burnishing stone (Mühre): You can find agate burnishers in various sizes in the Karin Sanat collection.

4.5 Drawing and Preparation Materials

• Compass, ruler, dividers: Used for drawing geometric patterns.

• Tracing paper and carbon: Necessary for transferring motifs.

• Gelatin: Used as a binder to fix the gold to the surface.

5. How Can You Plan Your First Work?

1. Motif Selection:
   Start with a simple hatâyî or rûmî motif.

2. Design Transfer:
   Transfer the motif to the paper using carbon or the pouncing method.

3. Gold Application:
   Mix gold powder with the binder, apply it, and burnish it after it dries.

4. Color Layers:
   Add shading after applying the base colors.

5. Final Touches:
   Finish with fine outlines, gold borders, and brightening touches.

6. Common Mistakes for Beginners

• Using too much water: Causes the paper to buckle.

• Working before the sizing (ahar) is fully dry: Paints will spread.

• Too much gelatin in gold application: Makes the surface look matte.

• Overworking: Disrupts the integrity of the color.

7. A Recommendation from Karin Sanat: Choose Your Materials Along with Your Art

Elegance, patience, and quality are inherent in the nature of tezhip and miniature. Therefore, the materials used directly affect the quality of the work.
Karin Sanat offers the following for artists interested in tezhip and miniature:

• Special tezhip brushes,

• Natural pigment paints,

• Gold leaves and burnishing stones,

• Special handmade papers,

• and starter sets.

Each material is chosen to be suitable for working with both classical methods and modern interpretations.

Conclusion

Starting the art of tezhip and miniature is not just about picking up a hobby; it is a way to connect with the past and combine patience with aesthetics. If you take the first step with the right materials and a careful plan, you can create your own designs in a short time and experience the enchanting harmony of gold and color.

You can find everything you need to start your art journey at Karin Sanat — because we believe in the shimmer hidden in the details of art.