Investigation of penc motifs in illuminated manuscripts preserved in Kastamonu Manuscript Library and artistic productions

The claw motif is one of the most characteristic and deep-rooted motifs of Turkish illumination art. Generally defined as a stylized flower form with five petals, the claw motif has acquired various forms, colors and technical characteristics depending on different periods and styles. In illumination compositions, it was sometimes used as the main motif and sometimes as a motif complementing other motif groups. Within the scope of this thesis, the claw motifs in illuminated manuscripts preserved in the Kastamonu Manuscript Library were examined in detail. The form, color, technique and placement characteristics of the penç motifs in the selected works were analyzed and the evolution of the motif in the historical process was revealed. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that the penç motif was used intensely and prominently in the works of the early period and classical period; this motif was used as the main ornamental element in the compositions. In works with Westernization influences, it was observed that the penç motif was used in a balanced and harmonious manner with hatayi, gonca and rumi motifs.