Binding, Upper and Lower Doublures, Afghanistan, Herat, ca. 1520, Leather, pasteboard, gold, green and blue paint, AKM983.A-B

Binding, Upper and Lower Doublures, Afghanistan, Herat, ca. 1520, Leather, pasteboard, gold, green and blue paint, AKM983.A-B

Although this looks like the outside cover of a book, it is actually the highly decorated lining of the inner cover, or 'doublure.' Islamic doublures, created using the same techniques as the outer covers, were treated as equally important by both artisans and patrons. Doublures are often better preserved than outer covers because they are protected inside the closed book. This inner cover illustrates the highly developed skill of leather filigree work, a delicate decorative leatherworking technique that lays a finely cut latticework of curved scroll and thin leaf forms over a multi-colored background to create contrast and depth.

Aga Khan Museum

ca. 1520

Photographer Credit: Courtesy of the Aga Khan Museum

Aga Khan Museum

Dimensions: 35 x 21.6 cm

Materials: Leather, pasteboard, gold, green and blue paint

AKM983.A-B

Afghanistan, Herat