Islamic miniature

From the manuscript Surname-i-Humayun
Istanbul, Topkapi Sarayi Museum
Circa 1582

This miniature comes from a famous manuscript, which describes the celebrations for the circumcision of the sons of the Sultan Murad III. The procession was composed by several chariots each one representing a specific corporation of the city, among which that of the glaziers.
In the picture the glaziers’ activity is represented in detail: we can see the furnace and the workers engaged in different phases of glass manufacture. The glass production in Islamic countries, characterized by a peculiar style, was widespread already from the 8th century. (AL)