sandarus

Ingredients

sandarus

Preparation Steps

Original Recipe Text

A recipe for a mechanical Qibla indicator involves creating a round disk (falka mudawwara) that is varnished or coated with sandarac resin (madhuna bi-al-sandarus). On top of this resinous coating, the image or shape of a prayer niche (sifat mihrab) is depicted. This surface preparation is critical for the visual representation of the compass directions on the device. (p. 54)

Evidence

"falka mudawwara madhuna (br: 40z) bi-al-sandarus wa 'alayha sifat mihrab"

Remarks

Sandarac (Sandarus) is utilized here as a decorative and protective varnish for the illustration of a mihrab on an automaton component. In the medieval Islamic tradition, sandarac was frequently used as a coating for wood and paper to provide a lustrous, water-resistant finish and to protect pigments or calligraphic lines from humidity and wear. The editor references the specific folio in the British Library manuscript where this material is mentioned. (p. 54)