Miniature

Miniature art is a form of arts and crafts that originated in prehistory, making it one of the world’s oldest forms. One type was created to produce three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface by using techniques such as engraving or sculpting miniatures from materials like stone, metal clay, ivory wood. The miniature portrait has been popular for centuries because faces are easy to capture with fine detail given its small size; this style has origins dating back thousands of years ago when people used engraved gems instead of photographs as they were far rarer than today. In recent times we have seen an increase in Gothic boxwood miniatures – these carvings date back over 500 years ago where artists would carve intricate designs onto tiny slivers.

Western paintings in illuminated manuscripts are known as miniatures, even if not very small – this sense of the word in fact has a different derivation from a Latin word for a reddish pigment. Miniature art has been made for over 2500 years and is prized by collectors all around the world. Museums have collections of miniature paintings, drawings original prints and etchings sculptures that date back to ancient China where they were used during ceremonies or placed near tombs on altars so that relatives could communicate with ancestors who had passed away long ago take comfort knowing their loved ones will always be watching them through these “windows”.

Miniature art societies provide a meeting place for those who are passionate about miniature artwork. This is shown through the World Federation of Miniaturists, which provides opportunities to learn more and meet other miniaturist artist enthusiasts from around the world. There’s even an official definition – that pieces can be held in your palm or under 25 square inches (100 cm²). Some exhibits require subjects to be depicted at 1/6th their actual size!