These intricate designs are made using the tazhib technique. Many centuries ago in Central Asia, pages of manuscripts were decorated this way. Tazhib translated from Arabic means “painted with gold.”
Last December, this artistic decoration technique was included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list. Five countries submitted the application: Tajikistan, Iran, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Turkey.
Mahluga Khankishiyeva is one of the few artists in Azerbaijan who paints using the tazhib technique.
The skillful painting includes images of plants and geometric shapes. They are often symbolic.
The artist uses gold leaf and natural pigments for paints. You cannot apply a design to regular sheets, as they will deform over time.
Nowadays, not only books, but also dishes are decorated with tazhib. Paintings are also painted using this technique.
For many artists, this art is a kind of medicine for the soul. It helps you calm down and become more patient.
Experts believe that the new status of the tazhib will allow the ancient decoration technique to be preserved for future generations.
