Color Symbolism in Islamic Book Paintings

Evidence

"The association of the color blue with mourning, repentance and grief has been discussed by Nizami in the earlier story discussed in the chapter"

Remarks

Dark blue is consistently used to denote mourning, repentance, and grief within Islamic painting tradition. Figure 4.12 shows Bishr in a blue and black robe, symbolizing grief over a lost soul (p. 65). In the depiction of Majnun (Figures 5.2-3 and 5.4-6), the use of blue signifies his detachment from worldly affairs, his isolation in the desert, and his mystical trance as he journeys toward the divine (p. 79, 80).