„Abenteuer mit Hamza“

Untersuchung, Konservierung und Montierung von indopersischen Miniaturen des 16. Jahrhunderts

Abstract

“Adventure with Hamza” – examination, conservation and mounting of indo-persian miniatures from the 16th century

The Hamzanama is an Indo-Persian epic that was created during the 16th century. The MAK possesses 60 folios from an estimated original total of 1400. The format of 60 x 85 cm is unique for miniatures. Equally unique is the four-layer structure with sandwiched sizing of fabric and paper and a frame-like attached margin also consisting of several layers. As a result of this structure of many layers with different extension behaviour, a loss of colour and damages ranging from warping to tears through every layer have occurred. The paintings and calligraphy are extremely sensitive to water, and numerous mechanical defects point to a turbulent history. On the one hand, the miniatures required consolidation and conservation work. On the other, a system of mounting had to be found, which allows for the display of both the front and the reverse of the folios and which offers sufficient space for the change of the dimensions of the folio and for warping. Even in a stable environment, these sorts of movement to such a many-layered object cannot be prevented. In the course of the conservation work, the painting and construction techniques used to create the folios were investigated in detail.