Muraqqa

A Muraqqa (Persian: مُرَقَّع) is an album in book form containing Islamic miniature paintings, calligraphy specimens, and other works of visual art and literature. The album was popular among art collectors in the Islamic world, particularly during the Mughal, Safavid, and Ottoman empires.

A muraqqa was more than just a collection; it was carefully curated and arranged to create a visual and intellectual experience. Pages often juxtaposed different artistic styles, historical periods, or subjects to highlight contrasts and similarities, demonstrating the refined taste and knowledge of the album's owner.

The creation of a muraqqa was a complex process. Calligraphers would meticulously write out passages from the Quran, poetry, or prose. Miniature painters would create intricate scenes depicting historical events, mythological tales, or portraits. These individual pieces were then carefully mounted onto album pages, often embellished with decorative borders and illuminated margins.

The value of a muraqqa lay not only in the individual artworks it contained but also in the overall composition and arrangement. A well-composed muraqqa reflected the owner's status, wealth, and artistic sensibilities. The albums served as both a source of personal enjoyment and a display of cultural prestige.

The practice of creating muraqqas declined in the 18th and 19th centuries, but surviving examples provide valuable insights into the artistic and cultural history of the Islamic world. They represent a unique form of art collecting and appreciation, highlighting the interconnectedness of various art forms and the importance of patronage in artistic production.