Book containing prose and five miniatures Qajar dynasty (1796–1925), 19th century

This book containing prose and five miniatures was crafted anonymously and features a leather binding enveloping its pages. The exterior reveals a surface that speaks to the inherent qualities of leather: its organic texture, weight, and deep color. The tanning of the leather is a time-honored process, often involving natural tannins. Consider the amount of work involved in the production of this book. Transforming animal hide into supple leather requires skill, patience, and knowledge. The book's small size suggests it was meant for personal reflection. Bookbinding, like other crafts, sits at the crossroads of utility and artistry. Understanding the book as a crafted object allows us to consider it within the broader histories of skilled trades and their social contexts. By emphasizing the materials, making, and context, we see how this book challenges distinctions between fine art and craft.