ORNAMENTAL AND PALEOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ASOMTAVRULI SCRIPT IN GEORGIAN MANUSCRIPT TRADITION (5TH–13TH CENTURIES)

Abstract

This study explores the evolution of the Georgian Asomtavruli script as a fundamental component of the decorative system of manuscript books from the 5th to the 13th century. The research aims to demonstrate the artistic potential of the Asomtavruli script and its transformation from simple graphic characters into complex ornamental initials. Employing comparative-historical and art-historical analysis, the study draws parallels between epigraphic monuments and Byzantine-Slavic traditions.

The findings reveal that in the early period (5th–8th centuries), the artistic effect was primarily achieved through the monumentality of the font and the strategic compositional layout of the page. Beginning in the 9th and 10th centuries, a progressive ornamental enrichment of initials is observed, reaching its peak development in the classical masterpieces of the 11th and 12th centuries. Furthermore, the paper substantiates the unique graphic nature of the letter "Jani" as a monogrammatic symbol of Christ. The study also analyzes the specific characteristics of zoomorphic initials; it argues that, unlike Byzantine and Slavic styles, Georgian masters consistently preserved the clarity of the letter’s graphic skeleton despite intricate ornamentation.

The theoretical significance of this research lies in the systematization of the stylistic diversity found within Georgian calligraphic schools. From a practical perspective, the results contribute to the refinement of manuscript dating based on decorative and paleographic elements. Ultimately, this work asserts that the Asomtavruli script in Georgian culture functioned not merely as a medium of communication but as an independent and sophisticated visual phenomenon.

Keywords: Asomtavruli, Georgian manuscripts, codicology, ornamental initials, zoomorphic style, paleography, Christian iconography.