<p class="bodytext">Being the world’s most expensive spice, saffron is extracted from the stigma of the Crocus sativus flower. We all know it as a delicacy used in food and medicine. But do you know of its use in the visual arts? From its pigment being used in Mughal miniatures to its role in maintaining the lustre of religious manuscripts, the impact of saffron on art has been long and perpetual. Little wonder then that the spice symbolises rarity and excellence across different cultures. </p>.<p class="bodytext">“Saffron’s use in art is often associated with purity, divinity and power. It reinforces the idea of rarity and uniqueness,” says Ramin Ganeshram, culinary historian and author of ‘Saffron: A Global History’. Ancient Greek priestesses and women of higher status wore saffron-dyed robes, indicating their societal role. Additionally, during Hindu religious ceremonies, saffron represents fire and purity. It was used to dye the robes of Hindu priests and was later embraced by Buddhist monks to express spiritual enlightenment. </p>.<p class="bodytext">The significance of saffron is seen in early references to Persian literature. For instance, it finds mention in Ferdowsi’s 10th-century epic, ‘Shahnameh’ (Book of Kings). Ramin notes, “The specific description of Rustam’s horse, Rakhsh, as having a saffron coat has been a signpost for illustrators for centuries.” The use of saffron’s golden hues brought myths and legends to life in Persian miniature paintings. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Similarly, this element was also used in Catholic religious texts, such as the ‘Book of Kells’, a manuscript by the monastery of St Columba, to enhance the sacred stories. “Marrying this valuable ingredient to art elevates its value.”</p>.<p class="bodytext">Saffron plays a major role in preserving art. Persian and Indian miniatures of the Mughal period reveal durability and resilience against corrosion. Ganeshram explains, “Saffron did not help in protecting gold or yellow, but instead the famous blue-green colours used in miniatures. This colour comes from verdigris, a copper-based pigment that corrodes easily.” To prevent fading and decomposition of paintings, “a chemical compound named crocin in saffron was used to stabilise the pigment,” she adds. While the role of saffron in art has been recorded for years, it continues to inspire artists. Ganeshram aspires to work and experiment with saffron as a hue in her watercolour paintings, especially to attain the rich tones of sunsets. From ancient paintings to modern art, saffron continues to remain a symbol of creativity and beauty. By intertwining artistry and nature, it continues to be a testament to how a simple thread can transcend time and be used to create something remarkable. </p>
<p class="bodytext">Being the world’s most expensive spice, saffron is extracted from the stigma of the Crocus sativus flower. We all know it as a delicacy used in food and medicine. But do you know of its use in the visual arts? From its pigment being used in Mughal miniatures to its role in maintaining the lustre of religious manuscripts, the impact of saffron on art has been long and perpetual. Little wonder then that the spice symbolises rarity and excellence across different cultures. </p>.<p class="bodytext">“Saffron’s use in art is often associated with purity, divinity and power. It reinforces the idea of rarity and uniqueness,” says Ramin Ganeshram, culinary historian and author of ‘Saffron: A Global History’. Ancient Greek priestesses and women of higher status wore saffron-dyed robes, indicating their societal role. Additionally, during Hindu religious ceremonies, saffron represents fire and purity. It was used to dye the robes of Hindu priests and was later embraced by Buddhist monks to express spiritual enlightenment. </p>.<p class="bodytext">The significance of saffron is seen in early references to Persian literature. For instance, it finds mention in Ferdowsi’s 10th-century epic, ‘Shahnameh’ (Book of Kings). Ramin notes, “The specific description of Rustam’s horse, Rakhsh, as having a saffron coat has been a signpost for illustrators for centuries.” The use of saffron’s golden hues brought myths and legends to life in Persian miniature paintings. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Similarly, this element was also used in Catholic religious texts, such as the ‘Book of Kells’, a manuscript by the monastery of St Columba, to enhance the sacred stories. “Marrying this valuable ingredient to art elevates its value.”</p>.<p class="bodytext">Saffron plays a major role in preserving art. Persian and Indian miniatures of the Mughal period reveal durability and resilience against corrosion. Ganeshram explains, “Saffron did not help in protecting gold or yellow, but instead the famous blue-green colours used in miniatures. This colour comes from verdigris, a copper-based pigment that corrodes easily.” To prevent fading and decomposition of paintings, “a chemical compound named crocin in saffron was used to stabilise the pigment,” she adds. While the role of saffron in art has been recorded for years, it continues to inspire artists. Ganeshram aspires to work and experiment with saffron as a hue in her watercolour paintings, especially to attain the rich tones of sunsets. From ancient paintings to modern art, saffron continues to remain a symbol of creativity and beauty. By intertwining artistry and nature, it continues to be a testament to how a simple thread can transcend time and be used to create something remarkable. </p>