Micro-Raman identification of the palette of a precious XVI century illuminated Persian codex

A remarkable, richly decorated Persian manuscript dating from 1537 was investigated by Raman microscopy in order to assess the nature of the pigments used. Although the decorated area measures just a few tens of cm(2) and doesn't include any anthropomorphic motif, but consists in a very geometric, lacework-like decoration, it contains very elaborate and precious details. A very rich palette was revealed, showing extensive use of the extremely valuable and costly pigment lapis-lazuli, gold and orpiment, besides malachite, vermilion and red lead. With the exception of the choice for an expensive pigment such as lapis-lazuli even for the background, the experimental data confirm that the art of miniature making, as well as the painting materials used in the Middle East, didn't actually differ much from what is considered to be the acknowledged practice for western art in the same period. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS