Handicrafts of Great Khorasan

Handicrafts of Great Khorasan

Classification of Construction Techniques in Timurid Envelope Flap Covers Binding

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Master Graduate in Persian Painting, Faculty of Handicrafts, Art University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Calligraphy and Persian Painting, Faculty of Handicrafts, Art University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
3 Instructor, Department of Calligraphy and Persian Painting, Faculty of Handicrafts, Art University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
The Timurid era (771-912 AH/1370-1506 CE) marks a critical phase in the transformation of the art of bookbinding. During this period, various measures were devised to fulfill the functional and protective aspects of bindings, among the most significant achievements being the introduction of the envelope flap covers (head flap). Beyond its technical function, the envelope flap cover also attracted artists’ attention from an aesthetic perspective. Initially, its decoration consisted of geometric motifs executed using the stamped (Zarb) technique; however, with the advancement of bookbinding techniques, the envelope flap covers gradually acquired more elaborate and refined ornamentation. The present study was conducted using a descriptive-analytical approach, in response to the need for a better understanding of the practices of binding manuscripts and with the aim of systematizing the construction techniques of Timurid envelope flap covers bindings. To this end, more than one hundred examples preserved in various collections worldwide were examined, from which twenty representative bindings were selected based on the diversity of construction methods and verified against museum records and previous studies. Accordingly, the construction methods of the covers in the outer layer and lining of the binding boards were identified, classified, and described under the categories of stamped, mosaic, carved, textile, and marbled paper, and the most commonly used techniques were determined. The results indicate that stamped decoration (Zarbī) was the most frequently employed technique in Timurid envelope flap bindings, followed by mosaic (Mo'arraq) and carved (Monabbat) techniques which were predominantly used in the doublures. It should be noted that in all examined samples, despite differences between the design of the flap cover and that of the outer cover in composition and decoration, the construction method and material of the flap covering and the connecting arm completely followed those of the binding boards.
Keywords
Subjects

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  • Receive Date 27 September 2025
  • Revise Date 06 November 2025
  • Accept Date 26 November 2025