Haft-Rang

Today, let’s learn about haft-rang. Haft-rang stands for “seven-colors” in Persian. What immediately comes to mind, are the beautiful and exquisite highly decorative glazed tiles (typically 15 x 15 cm) which can be found both inside & on the outside of mosques, shrines and palaces. Although the seven colors can vary, typically you will find: white, blue, turquoise, red, yellow, green, aubergine.

Agha Bozorg Mosque

A variety of patterns can be found on the haft-rang tiles including: plants, calligraphy, Gol O Morgh (flower & bird).

Including the haft-rang tiles, Persians have used and perfected some of the most widely used tile work.

Another way to see haft-rang is on a shamsa. The term "shamsa" itself, relates to the sun. The shamsa rosette and medallion, are dazzling and intricate designs, which hold a significant place in various artistic traditions, especially within Islamic art. The vibrant colors and detailed patterns, invite viewers to explore their complexity while evoking a sense of wonder.

In bindery and book art, incorporating the shamsa design into a book cover or endpapers connects the object to a rich history of craftsmanship and artistic expression. This motif serves not only as a decorative element but also as a reminder of cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into the creativity and spirituality of the artisans who brought it to life.

Below is a shamsa I painted on handmade paper. The bright haft-rang colors against the simple white background, plus the tactile experience of the soft handmade paper, makes this hand bound book special. It would be lovely to continue exploring this form of art.