Document Type : Original Article
Authors
assistance Professor, Faculty of Islamic handicrafts, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, IRAN
Abstract
Historical documents on the instructions and methods for creating Zarinfam enamel have played a crucial role in the revival of this art form in modern times. The sources examined include “Al-Durrah al-Maknuna”, “Jawaher-Nameh Nizami”, “Arayes al-Jawaher wa Nafayes al-Ata’ib”, and “Three Books on the Art of Potters”. These texts were written in various regions, including Iraq, Iran, and Italy. The research also cites historical sources, such as “Risalah fi Talwih al-Jazigh” by Al-Kindi and “Talwih” by Yahya ibn Muhammad al-Jazigh, for which no copies have survived.
The main goal of this research is to analyze historical written sources. The aim is to identify key information that can improve the process of making Zarinfam enamel. The study also identifies the strengths and weaknesses of each source and their impact on the revival of Zarinfam painting. In this regard, the research seeks to answer these questions: 1- How do these sources address the characteristics and processes of creating Zarinfam enamel, and what specific information do they provide on techniques and raw materials? 2- What are the differences and similarities between these historical sources regarding their methods, instructions, and information on Zarinfam enamel?
The research method is applied in its purpose and descriptive-comparative in its nature and approach. Primary data was collected through library research, primarily from the historical books mentioned. The significance of this research lies in several points. Historical written sources help clarify the history and evolution of Zarinfam luster over time. They do not just document information; they provide a deeper understanding of the cultural and social impacts of this art.
Additionally, a careful analysis of sources like “Arayes al-Jawaher” and “Jawaher-Nameh Nizami” helps identify their strengths and weaknesses. Analyzing historical content aids the development and revival of Zarinfam luster by informing new and improved production methods, thus enhancing its modern quality and variety.
A need for this independent study was due to a lack of comprehensive research on the written sources about the materials and conditions for creating a Zarinfam layer. Previously, scholars who studied the technique of making Zarinfam luster focused mainly on “Arayes al-Jawaher wa Nafayes al-Ata’ib” and “Three Books on the Art of Potters”. In recent years, “Jawaher-Nameh Nizami” and “Al-Durrah al-Maknuna” have gained attention as the oldest and most detailed historical sources on Zarinfam enamels.
The results of this study show that “Al-Durrah al-Maknuna”, written by Jabir ibn Hayyan in the 2nd century AH, is the oldest and most comprehensive written document on Zarinfam. This work contains 118 instructions on Zarinfam enamel. While other notable texts, such as “Arayes al-Jawaher” (two instructions) and “Jawaher-Nameh Nizami” (approximately 26), exist, this highlights the significance of “Al-Durrah al-Maknuna” as a foundational source in the field. As a pioneer in chemistry, Jabir ibn Hayyan was active during the rise of Zarinfam painting on glass in the 2nd century AH and played a key role in documenting and spreading this art.
“Al-Durrah al-Maknuna” addresses four main topics: 1) The production of colored glass using molding, 2) “Zarinfam” enamel, or glazed, decorated glass, 3) The coloring of gems through infusion and a description of two kilns, and 4) The processing of pearls and other adhesives. In this research, the term “enamel” is used interchangeably with “Zarinfam”. There are various terms for Zarinfam, including glaze, ink, lustre, metallic, metallic decoration, clay medium, and clay paste. However, »Al-Durrah al-Maknuna« and »Jawaher-Nameh« use the term "Al-Talawih,” while “Arais al-Jawaher” uses “Liqah du Atasheh” (two-fired paste) for Zarinfam.
Muhammad ibn Abi al-Barakat al-Jawahari al-Nishaburi wrote his book “Jawaher-Nameh” during the golden age of Zarinfam pottery production. “Jawaher-Nameh Nizami” is the first Persian book on gems, stones, metals, alloys, and various types of enamel. Chapter four provides 26 formulas for Zarinfam enamel. Some are for pottery, and others are for use on glass. In contrast, the instructions in »Al-Durrah al-Maknuna« are for glass, while those in "Arais al-Jawaher” and “Three Books on the Art of Potters” are for pottery.
In 700 AH, Abulqasem Abdullah Kashani wrote the book “Arais al-Jawaher”. He introduced several essential materials for creating the body, glaze, and Zarinfam enamel. He provided two formulas for Zarinfam enamel, which he referred to as Liqah du Atasheh. These two formulas contain a total of ten ingredients. “Arais al-Jawaher” is more widely known among scholars than “Jawaher-Nameh,” possibly due to its earlier publication and availability during a period when information on Zarinfam glaze production was scarce..
Another historical source is »Three Books on the Art of Potters« by Cipriano Piccolpasso. In the second volume, Piccolpasso provides two instructions for Zarinfam enamel. His description of the firing process is more detailed than that in »Arais al-Jawaher«. Piccolpasso not only describes the kiln structure but also includes several illustrations of Zarinfam kilns.
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