Central Asian bindings during the period in question were extremely specific — easily recognizable and very similar in appearance (a well-established range of colours, very subdued graphic design, the complete absence of a flap). They were not full leather bindings, but 90% paste-board (muqawwā’). Both covers of such a binding were usually made from poured whole paste-board, although well pasted and pressed paper-board of separate sheets (papier-mâché) was sometimes used. The edges of paste-board covers were strengthened with light, thin, well-worked leather and reinforced with a back spine of the same finish and со 1-our. The back spine sometimes had two tongued flaps that extended upward and downward (1.5—2.0 cm) for pulling the manuscript out of a pile on the shelf (Eastern manuscripts were kept lying, not standing as in Europe)…
This year’s Diakonoff Readings marking the 110th birthday anniversary of Igor M. Diakonoff (1915‒1999) will be held at the Hermitage Museum (Saint Petersburg) on April 17‒18, 2025.
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