ILLUMINATION: ASAR GALLERY OF ART   "Illumination" refers to the enhancement of art works through gold-plating or outlining in gold, but this is not a clear and precise definition. The process of illumination has been used by illustrators of religious (Koranic) texts to enhance Islamic calligraphy and give the books a brighter sheen and luster. Scientific, cultural and historical collections were decorated in their margins with "illuminated" illustrations of flowers, calligraphy, etc. Illumination reached its artistic apex during the Sassanid Era. Following the advance of Islam into Persia, this art technique's popularity spread throughout the Arab world and became synonymous with "Islamic Art." In addition to the Koran and other texts, illumination was also used to decorate pottery, household wares and even the interiors of lavish buildings. As a result, during the Taymourian Period the art achieved a second "Golden Age," so to speak, culminating in some of the finest illumination works in the technique's history. Following the reign of the Safavid Dynasty, illumination fell into decline, and would not achieve widespread prominence again until very recently. Persian Paintings Digitograph Galleries       Join the Asar Galleries Of Art mailing list  Email: Quality custom editions of Persian art on canvas, from traditional art to contemporary Iranian artists, Original Paintings, will be available for purchase through our representatives or galleries worldwide. Send Page To a Friend Gift Reminder   For more information Please contact our representative at Asar Gallery of art.