Paper Blank: Zahra

Arabic Artistry

Our Arabic Artistry Zahra cover design dates to the 17th century, when luxurious Arabic court life helped to inspire a supremely refined design aesthetic. The original binding is emblematic of an era when books were major investments, used as valuable donations, treasured gifts to heads of state and status symbols.

 Here at Paperblanks our experience with vintage book bindings has taught us this: the history of bookbinding is one of adaptation. Many a design in the Paperblanks collection is an example of a decorative technique that was successfully evolved by bookbinding masters to spur a new trend in book cover embellishment.

Our Arabic Artistry Zahra design replicates a book cover that captures the aesthetic of the Arab world in the 17th century, reflecting the splendid quality of work found in this ancient time. With the original binding that inspired this design once containing a precious copy of the Koran, the significance of the ancient world of Islam is embodied in this unique golden and floral design.

Arabic court life was the prevailing aesthetic of the period and is so supremely conveyed in this opulent design. This Zahra binding, so called for its Arabic denotation of flower, blossom and beauty, is characteristic of an era when books were precious items and not as easy to come by. They were presented as treasured gifts to heads of state and were much sought after as status symbols. We wish whatever you choose to fill this journal with to be just as exceptional as the design itself.