Using a Valiani CMC, ruled miles and border panels and a traditional Indian gilding technique to create a Persian/Mughal style new mount for an item of Pahari art.
In remounting this print, I wanted to include a number of different ideas and techniques, including an Arabesque/Mughal style of mount aperture, decorative panels and ruled lines, and a technique called zarafshan – ‘scattering gold’.
This Master Class details the hinging of artwork on paper and considers the following
the mount package.
preparation of Japanese paper and starch paste.
the most common method of hinging i.e. the ‘T’ Hinge.
how to reduce the possibility of artwork either cockling or buckling.
The Sunwheel, more commonly known in the west as the ‘Swastica’ can be seen in various designs and forms. There are suggestions that the cross symbolises the four seasons or elements set around a motionless centre, with the trailing line arms providing rotational symmetry in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. Both depictions have a particular meaning. In Hinduism the clockwise sunwheeel symbolises the sun and prosperity whilst the anti-clockwise sunwheel symbolises the night or the tantric aspects of Kali. Alternatively, in Buddhism the sun wheel symbolises the footprint of Buddha.
Islamic patterns or geometry is one of the three distinct disciplines of Islamic art the others being calligraphy and Islimi.
The eight pointed star or Khatam is used widely in Islamic architecture. In simple terms it's construction comprises two congruent squares, interposed, one of which is rotated through 45deg. The khatam can be progressively broken down in order to find the classical elements of 8-fold symmetry. Several patterns can emerge through the extensions of the parallels thereby forming a network of lines, at the intersection of which several shapes or designs emerge.
Mount Proportions, Ruled Lines and Wash Panels and Low Oxygen Sealing
The artwork is a fine antique watercolour of an Indian lady holding a lyre and looking towards a peacock in a tree. I purchased the watercolour in an antique shop in Chang Mai, Thailand. I decide that by using this artwork would be an excellent way to describe mount proportions, ruled lines and wash panels and finally, using a low oxygen method of sealing the mount package.
The following seminars were given at FAMA Art Bologna 2017. The seminars include:
Understanding Conservation.
The Mount Package
Normal Conditions.
Border proportions.
