Typology of plant decorations on the ceiling and wooden capitals of hypostyle mosque in East Azerbaijan in the Safavid and Qajar periods

Authors

1 Tabriz Islamic Art University

2 Assistance Professor, Department of Conservation and Archaeometry, Faculty of Cultural Materials Conservation, Tabriz Islamic Art University

10.22084/nb.2023.26801.2520

Abstract

The wooden columned mosques of Azerbaijan region are unique examples of the Safavid and Qajar period, which are rarely built similar to them in other parts of Iran. These mosques were generally built in the Safavid period and in later periods, Especially Qajar, reconstruction and additional parts or decorations have been added to them. One of the most important features of the mentioned mosques is the decoration of wood painting is in types of plants, islimi, and inscriptions on the ceiling and the headstones of the wooden muqarnas. Therefore, the main issue of the research is to study different types of plant and Islamic decorations on the ceiling and wooden columned of the hypostyle mosques of Azerbaijan, to investigate their place in the relative chronology and to value the atmosphere of the hypostyle in the Safavid and Qajar periods. Among the 38 hypostyle mosques with columns investigated, 11 mosques contained plant and Islamic motifs on wood. The results of the research show that 9 species of plants and 2 species of islimi are engraved on the wooden muqarnas of the headstones, ceiling curtains, non-load-bearing cubic chests on the main beams and porter beams. The drawn plant species are a combination of Iranian and native art of the Azerbaijan region; The patterns of the Safavid period are similar to the patterns of carpets and the covers of manuscripts designed at the same time, and their composition is generally abstract and less naturalistic. Two approaches have been used in the design of plant motifs related to the Qajar period; in the design of islimis and flowers, they have always been faithful to the previous traditions. The special characteristics of Qajar are evident in the varied and warm colors; On the other hand, native influences and patterns have been used in the design of motifs that have not been seen anywhere else.

Keywords

Main Subjects

pazhoheshha-ye Bastan shenasi Iran

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 27 September 2023

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