The workshop "Tradition of Islamic Bookbinding", led by Amina Cheema, introduced participants to the heritage of Islamic bookbinding as both craft and artistic practice, reviving its place within the arts of the book, rooted in kasb (skill) and kamal (excellence).
Through historical and technical overview, an archival collection visit, and a hands on session, participants learned traditional methods: sewing the book block, preparing and attaching boards, and applying cover embellishment.
It was emphasised in the workshop that patience, precision, and respect for materials, aligning with the Triennale’s ethos of meaningful, process based making.
Bringing together academics, artists, and students, the workshop bridged tradition and contemporary practice, connecting the functional and the sublime, the scholar and the artisan.
