Advanced gilding and ornamentation of opening Quran pages – Sunday – September to June – specialised annual programme

Course Description

This course offers an advanced programme in the design and execution of Qur'an frontispiece illumination, by delving into gilding and floral ornamentation techniques and applying them within an integrated composition inspired by the traditions of Qur'an and Islamic manuscript ornamentation.

The course builds on the foundational skills acquired in the introductory levels, taking participants into a more detailed study of constructing decorative composition, organising spaces, and achieving symmetry, precision, and visual rhythm. They will also learn about the characteristics of Quran opening decoration (sadr al-mushaf) and its essential elements, as well as how to distribute motifs to achieve balance between the central space, the frame, floral elements, and gold.

Each participant works on developing their own design, starting with the study of historical models and the analysis of their compositions, through preliminary studies and the construction of the final design, up to transferring it to the working surface and applying water gilding and colours.

The course concludes with a comprehensive project in which each participant designs and executes an ornamentation for the opening pages of a Qur'an, combining technical precision, balanced composition, aesthetic awareness, and respect for the artistic traditions of Qur'anic illumination.

Appointments

Sunday, from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm, with a 30-minute break.

4 and 18 October; 1, 15 and 29 November; 13 December 2026; 17 and 31 January; 21 March; 4 and 18 April; 2 and 23 May; and 13 and 27 June 2027.

• Duration: 15 sessions.
• Total training hours: 75 hours.
• Course Language: Arabic.
• Early booking: 25% off.

Prerequisites

Prior knowledge of the basics of decorative painting and gilding, or completion of a course Introduction to the fundamentals of gilding and botanical ornamentation or equivalent.

Objectives

• A study of the characteristics of Quranic illumination and the traditions of decorating the frontispiece pages of the Quran.
• Analysis of historical models to understand the compositional structure and decorative elements used in them.
• Developing advanced decorative configurations based on symmetry, balance, and visual rhythm.
• Understanding the relationship between the central area, the frame, and the botanical and decorative elements.
• Developing the botanical elements with a higher level of accuracy and detail.
• Designing composite decorative units and employing them within an integrated composition.
• Applying the principles of symmetry and accurately transferring the design to the implementation surface.
• Studying the relationship between gold and colours and selecting a suitable colour palette for the nature of the work.
• Organising the stages of work execution, from the preliminary study to the final finishing.
• Transforming the historical study and initial concept into a balanced decorative design.

Outputs

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Analysis of selected specimens of Qur'an ornamentation and understanding the foundations of their composition.
• Design of an integrated and symmetrical decorative composition inspired by the traditions of Quran frontispiece ornamentation.
• Development and precise implementation of botanical and decorative elements within interconnected and balanced units.
• organising the relationship between the central area, the frame and the surrounding ornamentation.
• Translate the design to the implementation surface in an accurate and organised manner.
• Application of colouring and gilding in a way that achieves harmony between the gold, colours, and decorative elements.
• Management of the work implementation stages, from initial study and design to gilding and finishing.
• Completion of an integrated ornamentation for the opening pages of the Mushaf, combining technical precision, execution quality and balanced composition.

About the Teacher

Haya Obaid Al Ketbi is an Emirati artist with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, specialising in fine and decorative art practice. She offers practical training focused on developing botanical elements, building advanced decorative compositions, painting, and manual gilding, guiding participants through all stages of the work, from the study of historical models and design preparation to the execution of the final project.

Location:

In person in Fujairah – School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

Refund Policy

All fees are non-refundable upon completion of registration.