Chester Beatty Library
The second research trip over several days took us to the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin together with LMU doctoral student Mandana Bender, who will be supporting us in the project from October 2024. There, we were welcomed by the curator Dr Moya Carey, who provided us with the multitude of requested manuscripts. Our focus there was on Iranian, Central Asian and Indian manuscripts. After demonstrating our equipment, we were allowed to use it on the manuscripts and folios.
Marbled paper framing the central painting
Of particular interest were manuscripts with stencils that were already familiar from other manuscripts. Here we discussed some stencilling techniques such as sponging or splashing. Finely decorated manuscripts with geometric-floral outer frames were also recorded by us. Stencil or no stencil – that is the question! We were also able to see manuscripts with paper marbling, ‚abru‘, which presented us with very exciting perspectives on other techniques of decorated paper. Many thanks to the curator, the restorer, and the staff in the reading room who tirelessly supplied us with manuscripts.
Analysing intricate stencils
We had a great time, which we rounded off with visits to the Trinity Library (without books!), the National Gallery of Ireland, and Dublin’s pubs after work.
Until spring 2024, when we will be able to view the manuscripts in the current display collection, which will then be replaced!
Ilse, Mandana and Theresa finishing work