Welcome to Persian Manuscript Materials

This website is devoted to the study and reconstruction of the material technology used in historical Persian manuscripts. It offers a research-based exploration into the complex range of materials and methods employed by Persian artisans between the Timurid and Qajar periods (15th–19th centuries), focusing on historically documented recipes and workshop practices.

Our aim is to shed light on the traditional techniques behind the preparation of inks, pigments, binders, and writing surfaces by reconstructing them according to historical treatises. Through this hands-on process, we seek to better understand the ingenuity and technical sophistication of manuscript production in Persia, as well as to contribute to the preservation and appreciation of this material heritage.

Accompanied by high-resolution images captured during the reconstruction process, the website provides a visually rich and intellectually grounded resource. It bridges historical research and practical experimentation to offer insights valuable to conservators, scholars, and enthusiasts interested in Persian manuscripts and the broader field of cultural heritage.

This website is made available through the the generous grants provided by The Barakat Trust, and collaborations with The University of Melbourne, UCSI University and Soudavar Memorial Foundation.