colorful illuminations

Preparation Steps

Original Recipe Text

The production of the journal Cermin Mata was described as 'cost-intensive' specifically because it 'always included several colorful illuminations' (p. 195). These illuminations were likely added to the lithographed or typographic text to enhance the aesthetic value of the mission journal, mimicking high-quality manuscript traditions (p. 195, 211).

Evidence

"Why Cermin Mata was stopped after issue 7 is not mentioned in any contemporary source. But perhaps it was due to the lack of funds needed for such a cost-intensive production that always included several colorful illuminations."

Remarks

The presence of multi-colored titles and frames is confirmed by Figure 1, which shows the title page of Cermin Mata No. 1 (April 1858) featuring intricate red, blue, and gold-colored decorative borders and calligraphy (p. 211). The high cost of these pigments and the labor required for illumination may have contributed to the journal's cessation after seven issues (p. 195).