Picturing Tanbûr Long-Necked Lutes in Persian, Ottoman, and Indian Paintings
By (author) Hans de Zeeuw
Paperback (Published)
(September 2026)
ISBN: 9781805833666
8.07 x 11.46 inches
Price: $49.00
In stock
This volume examines depictions of tanbûr long-necked lutes in Persian, Ottoman and Mughal painting traditions. Through the study of Islamic art, it explores musical culture, elite society, cross-cultural influences and the accuracy of instrument representations across Western, Central and Southern Asia.
The abundant depiction of musical instruments in Persian, Ottoman, and Indian paintings from the Mughal, Râjput, Deccan, and Râgamâlâ traditions illustrates their significance and popularity. These paintings are an important source for understanding the instruments that were mainly played in courtly and urban environments. Among the most commonly represented instruments are those from the lute family, especially the short-necked ‘ûd, prevalent in the western Islamic world, and the long-necked tanbûr, commonly associated with the eastern region.
Like the tradition of tanbûr long-necked lutes, the painting traditions within Islamic art are characterized by a great variety, shaped by complex historical and cross-cultural interactions across Western, Central, and Southern Asia. This volume presents a comprehensive view of depictions of tanbûrs found in Persian, Ottoman, and especially Mughal paintings, exploring issues of cross-cultural influence, the role of the tanbûr in elite society, and the accuracy with which musical instruments are represented.
List of Figures and Credits
Foreword
Preface and Acknowledgements
General Introduction
Chapter 1 Painting in Islamic Art
Introduction
The Persian Painting Traditions
The Rise of the Safavid, Ottoman, and Indian Painting Traditions
Late Safavid, Ottoman, and Indian Painting
Chapter 2 Tanbûrs Pictured in Persian Paintings
Introduction
The Îl-Khânid Period
The Tîmûrid Age
The Safavid Era
The Qâjâr Phase
Chapter 3 Tanbûrs Pictured in Ottoman Paintings
Introduction
Early Ottoman Painting
Ottoman Painting
Late Ottoman Painting
Chapter 4 Tanbûrs Pictured in Indian Paintings
Introduction
Early Indian Painting
Indian Painting
Late Indian Painting
Glossary of Musical Instruments
Bibliography
Select Discography
Index
- By (author) Hans de Zeeuw
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