The Methodology of Lzurite (Lājavard) Making in Ancient Persian Scientific Texts

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research/Original/Reqular Article

Authors

1 Faculty of Cultural Materials Conservation, Tabriz Islamic Art University

2 , Department of Conservation and Archaeometry, Faculty of Cultural Materials Conservation, Tabriz Islamic Art University

Abstract

Lapis lazuli and lazurite (Na6Ca2Al6Si6O24[(SO4);S;Cl;(OH)]2) are one of the most important and oldest precious stones and pigments known in the history of art. In addition to being used for making ornamental and ritual objects in Iran, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China, this stone was also used for coloring and painting, producing a color called "lājavardi". The high quality of the color has made it one of the most popular pigments in the world. However, due to the impurity of lapis lazuli stone, various methods were used to wash and purify it. There are also various ways to obtain the "lājavardi" color from other materials. This research investigates the importance of this color in Iranian art, and explores the instructions for washing and producing ultramarine and "lājavardi". The descriptive-analytical research method based on documentary data has been utilized for this purpose. The results indicate that before the 14th century, in addition to natural ultramarine, azurite and cobalt oxide were also considered types of "lājavardi", and their sources were reported as sources of "lājavardi". The method of washing ultramarine differs in the sources of mineralogy and glazing, medicine and pharmacology, colorant making, and art. The treatises on paints have provided instructions for another type of "lājavardi", using indigo and a white filler, known as practical "lājavardi". Furthermore, the treatises on gemology and glazing discuss the method of making "lājavardi" using cobalt oxide.

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Journal for the History of Science

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 13 June 2024

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