مادة لونية

Ingredients

خيوط, مادة لونية

Preparation Steps

Original Recipe Text

A device called 'al-Mastara' was used to create guidelines for writing. It consisted of a wooden board with threads stretched across it (p. 367). These threads were coated with a colored substance (madda lawniyya) which, when pressed against the paper, left a temporary mark to guide the scribe's pen (p. 367). Another method involved using metal wires (aslak ma'daniyya) to create physical indentations on the paper (p. 367).

Evidence

"وتكون هذه الخيوط مغطاة بمادة لونية بمجرد بحث تحديث أثرًا على الورقة حين رفعها، وهذا الأثر يكون مؤقتًا إلى حين الانتهاء من الكتابة أو يبقى بعد ذلك بزمن قليل ولا يختفي في الحال"

Remarks

The marks left by the colored threads were intended to be temporary and often faded after the writing was completed (p. 367). In Najdi manuscripts, the number of ruled lines typically ranged from 17 to 37 lines per page, although variations occurred based on the manuscript's size and the scribe's preference (p. 370). The ruling process was essential for maintaining the straightness of the script and ensuring a neat, professional appearance (p. 367, 368).