The Zither

TN 731

TN 695

TN 672

Arts

This stamp highlights the Qanun (or Kanoun), a plucked zither which occupies a central place in Tunisian art music. This instrument, recognizable by its trapezoidal shape and its imposing top, allows for an exceptional melodic richness to be displayed thanks to its numerous strings stretched over skin bridges. Inseparable from the Malouf, the Qanun is the reference instrument for leading musical ensembles; its complex structure allows musicians to adjust tones with extreme precision to interpret traditional modes and quarter tones specific to the national heritage.
The background of the figurine presents a network of intertwined geometric patterns, characteristic of the art of ceramics and zelliges which adorn the palaces and historic residences of Tunisia. These decorations, in green and yellow hues, recall the importance of ornamental aesthetics in urban culture, creating a harmonious visual framework for the instrument. By integrating these elements, the stamp testifies to the symbiosis between the visual and sound arts, elevating the Qanun to the rank of symbol of a refined art of living where the splendor of traditional architecture combines with the depth of the Mediterranean musical heritage.

33x23 mm

Polychrome

Jalel Ben Abdallah

Courvoisier S.A

11¾

Photogravure

0,50 DT

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500 000 exemplaires