Miniature art is a type of two-dimensional artwork that involves the design and creation of small paintings, which may be painted on books, papier-mâché, rugs, textiles, walls, ceramics, and other items. Miniatures have existed in Uzbekistan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Iran for centuries.
Persian art was popular in the Ottoman Empire, and the Sultans were avid collectors of Persian miniatures. Soon, a distinctive Ottoman style emerged with an increasing interest in narrative and historical recording. Ottoman illumination was also widely used in court manuscripts. As the Ottomans spread throughout the world, those who were proficient with the craft became known as miniaturists.
Historically, the miniaturists’ styles varied with the regions and schools of art, evolving further after the introduction of Islam. Over the centuries, miniatures were used visually to illustrate manuscripts. There was also a visual language used to express cultural diversity, geographical diversity, and principles of expression.
The craft expanded throughout the 19th century and started to appear more often on walls, canvasses, wood, ceramics, and leather. In the past, miniaturists usually painted with quills and organic pigment, rather than the industrial materials used today.
The artist took a cotton piece of unrefined paper, spread it over a marble surface, and straightened it with an ivory press to make the paper appear luminous. The artist then decided what they wanted to paint, and then drew the image in pencil, and then outlined it with India ink. Filling in the outlines was then done with madder dye, which is known to keep its vivid color.
The miniature has been historically seen as supporting the text visually in book paintings but has evolved to embellish public spaces and architecture as well. Despite stylistic differences, the art of miniaturization as practiced by the submitting States Parties shares crucial features. The patterns of miniaturized patterns are symbolic of beliefs, worldviews, and lifestyles and have gained a new character as a result of the Islamic influence.
All of the miniatures in public display a particular perspective of each scene in which the size of the figures changes according to their importance. This is a key difference between realistic and naturalistic styles. The miniature displays an integral part of each society's social and cultural identity, as it is traditionally transmitted through mentor-apprentice relationships.
This art has existed for centuries yet continues to evolve, thereby strengthening the bond between the past and the present. Traditional painting principles and techniques are preserved, but artists also incorporate their own unique creative vision into the process.