Until the discovery of printing, which naturally completely changed the way in which books developed, the knowledge communities of ancient and medieval times transmitted the essential texts orally to the new generations, which learnt them by heart. Rare manuscripts were in circulation, but these were the prerogative of the privileged.
Created on parchment, these early books were written in a rich and highly decorative hand and adorned with illuminations and then illustrations.
It is with the same techniques and the same love of learning and of books that we create the illuminations presented to you.
The “BASHA ART GALLERY” artists' studio proposes Judaica illuminations created according to the techniques applied by the master illuminators of all times.
Each work presented to you combines illumination, miniature and calligraphy according to a unique process at each stage of its creation, and we guarantee its quality.
A part from its intrinsic beauty, the value of an illumination is frequently determined by the quality of the materials and the time invested in its execution (between 60 and 80 hours). Our miniatures and illuminations are painted by hand on goat, kid or calf parchments, gilded with 22 carat gold leaf on base, and with 23 carat gold mineral powder. Coloring with tempera (mixture of natural pigments, some semiprecious, which we make ourselves). Each work is signed and stamped by our studio.
Today, thanks to the “BASHA ART GALLERY”, if you so wish, you can possess authentic illuminations, true works of art with a beauty and splendor of materials that serve as a setting for the magnificent texts of our religion.
