Aghasi Music, a private Santur instructor, required a logo that encapsulates the essence of the santur. The design reflects the instrument's originality and antiquity, while also conveying the joy and happiness brought by its spiritual sound.
History of the Santur
The santur is considered one of the oldest musical instruments in the region of Iran. The oldest evidence of the santur comes from the stone carvings of the Assyrians and Babylonians (559 BC). In these carvings, a procession honoring Ashurbanipal features an instrument remarkably similar to the santur. Some researchers believe that the santur spread from Iran to other Asian countries in ancient times. Today, similar instruments are played in Iraq, Turkey, Syria, Egypt, Pakistan, India, Tajikistan, China, Vietnam, Korea, Ukraine, and other Central Asian countries, as well as in Greece.
The santur is considered one of the oldest musical instruments in the region of Iran. The oldest evidence of the santur comes from the stone carvings of the Assyrians and Babylonians (559 BC). In these carvings, a procession honoring Ashurbanipal features an instrument remarkably similar to the santur. Some researchers believe that the santur spread from Iran to other Asian countries in ancient times. Today, similar instruments are played in Iraq, Turkey, Syria, Egypt, Pakistan, India, Tajikistan, China, Vietnam, Korea, Ukraine, and other Central Asian countries, as well as in Greece.
Santur Components
Bridge (Satanak):
The santur has a component called the "satanak" on each side of its trapezoidal body, on which the strings rest.
The santur has a component called the "satanak" on each side of its trapezoidal body, on which the strings rest.
Flower Design on the Soundboard:
The soundboard of the santur features two floral-shaped holes, known as the "flower of the santur." These holes not only add aesthetic value but also aid in resonance. Their placement, based on the bridge design and the maker's preference, is typically found beneath the yellow strings and behind the bridge.
The soundboard of the santur features two floral-shaped holes, known as the "flower of the santur." These holes not only add aesthetic value but also aid in resonance. Their placement, based on the bridge design and the maker's preference, is typically found beneath the yellow strings and behind the bridge.
Santur Strings:
Santur strings are divided into two types: "white" strings (made from nickel alloy) for high-pitched sounds and "yellow" strings (made from brass alloy) for bass sounds.
Santur strings are divided into two types: "white" strings (made from nickel alloy) for high-pitched sounds and "yellow" strings (made from brass alloy) for bass sounds.
Lotus Flower:
The lotus flower has been a prominent motif in Iranian art for centuries. Seen in ancient Near Eastern art for at least 7,000 years, the lotus symbolized purity, connecting the four elements (earth, water, air, and fire). Its association with the sun made it highly esteemed.
The lotus flower has been a prominent motif in Iranian art for centuries. Seen in ancient Near Eastern art for at least 7,000 years, the lotus symbolized purity, connecting the four elements (earth, water, air, and fire). Its association with the sun made it highly esteemed.
The lotus flower, a symbol of purity and enlightenment in ancient Iranian art, parallels the floral designs on the santur's soundboard. Integrating this motif into the logo bridges the instrument's historical significance with its traditional artistry, honoring both heritage and craft.
The initials "A" and "M" in Aghasi Music's logo are stylized to reflect the curves and lines of the santur's strings, resembling the simplified shape of the bridge (Satanak). Intertwined parallel lines symbolize the harmonious and melodic nature of the music, creating a personalized and visually appealing representation of the brand..
Color Palette:
The logo for Aghasi Music features earthy wooden tones to symbolize the santur's traditional craftsmanship and historical significance. Warm, natural colors evoke authenticity and nostalgia, while subtle golden hues represent the luxurious quality and resonance of the instrument's strings.
The logo for Aghasi Music features earthy wooden tones to symbolize the santur's traditional craftsmanship and historical significance. Warm, natural colors evoke authenticity and nostalgia, while subtle golden hues represent the luxurious quality and resonance of the instrument's strings.
This portfolio description illustrates a deep understanding of the santur's history and components while emphasizing the thoughtful design process behind the Aghasi Music logo, effectively communicating its cultural and musical significance.
