Frontispiece
Frontispiece
Artist
Mahrukh Bashir.
Artwork Title & Inspiration
'Frontispiece’.
Inspired by beautifully illuminated geometric frontispiece illustrations of Ölǧaytü's Baghdad Qurʾān during the Mamluk era. Mamluk Qur’ans were elaborately decorated with gold and luxurious pigments to give high reverence to the Qur’an honouring the words of God.
The underlying geometric pattern is based on an eight-fold construction, where the number eight is symbolic of the heavenly gates.
This specific geometry is very interesting, as its concept is very different from the common ‘infinite’ patterns of most Islamic geometric designs. An interweaving ribbon has been applied to the entire geometric design.
Seven borders are used to complete the design, again the number seven symbolising the seven heavens.
Artwork Category
Illumination.
Physical Description
Hand-ground 23k and 19k gold with gouache on walnut hand-dyed paper. The backing (‘muraqqa’) and all the associated glues were made by hand.
Dimensions
43 x 55.5 cm (includes mount).
Country of Origin
United Kingdom.
LOT 100
Mahrukh Bashir
Mahrukh Bashir is a London based artist, who is dedicated to the revival and continuity of traditional arts. She uses centuries-old methods and materials to generate delicate intricate paintings following in the tradition of the old masters.
She has been specialising in tezhip (Islamic manuscript illumination) for a number of years under one of Turkey’s renowned illumination masters, Dr. Gülnihal Küpeli. Mahrukh is currently working on her final project in order to be awarded an ijaza (traditional certificate), which would recognise her authority and expertise in the field.
Mahrukh completed her master’s degree from the Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts in London earning her a distinction.
Since then, she has been invited to teach at the school while working and teaching from her studio in Wimbledon. Mahrukh is also a lecturer at the Ibn Haldun University in Turkey.
Mahrukh continues to take part in various exhibitions and events nationally and internationally. She works on private commissions and her work forms part of royal and private collections.
VIDEO: 'Frontispiece' with Mahrukh Bashir.
