Traditional Iranian art risks fading into history

July 30, 2007

Illumination and minature paintings are an important past of Iran's cultural heritage. Non-figurative illumination, made up of geometric flourishes, decorations and intricate calligraphy, have traditionally adorned the margins of holy books and epic poems. One of the oldest Iranian art forms, illumination has survived since the pre-Islamic era but it now risks extinction if it fails to attract patrons, who prefer modern art to traditional work. Minature artwork isn't faring much better. A voiced report.