Armenian Amulets in Scroll
https://doi.org/10.20913/script-2024-2-06
Abstract
The article is devoted to Armenian amulets in scroll, which are stored in state (Matenadaran – Research Institute of Ancient Manuscripts named after Mesrop Mashtots (Armenia), Cathedral of the Holy Savior in New Julfa (Iran), Libraries of Mekhitarists’ Congregations (Italy, Austria), British Library (England), etc.) and private collections, and date back to the 15th–20th centuries. The article provides an explanation of the Armenian word amulet (h)mail, and synonyms that appear in the colophons of amulets. An overview of the famous collections of Armenian amulets in scroll is provided. The problems of attribution of miniatures and the features of the artistic design of amulets are considered. Physical parameters (length, width, materials, special cases in which the scrolls were placed...) and codicological characteristics (dating, scriptorias, scribes, miniaturists, content of prayers and artistic design) are presented, which are the result of about 15 years research.
About the Author
D. Ghazaryan
“Matenadaran” Mesrop Mashtots Research Institute of Ancient Manuscripts
Armenia
Armenia
Davit G. Ghazaryan, PhD in Arts, Acting Chief Curator, Senior Researcher.
53 Mashtots Ave., 0009, Yerevan
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1. Fig. 1. Amulet in scroll, 1486, Avag Monastery, Scribe: Grigor (Matenadaran, Amulet no. 108) | |
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2. Fig. 2. Madonna with the Child Jesus in her arms, 1428, Mufarghin, scribe: Simeon (Matenadaran, Amulet no. 116) | |
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3. Fig. 3. The special weft bag of Amulet in scroll, 1711, Smirna (Zmyurnia) (Karik and Varvara Basmadjians’ private collection. Paris, France) | |
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4. Fig. 4. The special leather bag and the Amulet in scroll, 1551, The special leather bag: XIX century (Matenadaran, Amulet no. 501) | |
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5. Fig. 5. A mage casting a spell with a magic orb. XVIII century (New Julfa, Amulet no. 41) | |
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6. Fig. 6. Crucification, 1645, scribe: Paghtar Kamkhetci (Matenadaran, Amulet no. 270) | |
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Review
For citations:
Ghazaryan D. Armenian Amulets in Scroll. Scriptorium slavicum. 2024;(2):87-97. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.20913/script-2024-2-06
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