Archaeological Research of Iran

Archaeological Research of Iran

Stylistics of Pottery in the Ardabil Style: A Case Study of Ardabil-Style Pottery from the Archaeological Museum of the Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili Mausoleum

Authors
Ardeshir Javanmardzadeh 1
Mozhgan Rostami 2
Fardin Eyni 2
1 Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran (Corresponding Author).
2 Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
10.22084/nb.2025.28285.2626
Abstract
Among archaeological materials, pottery provides valuable evidence for reconstructing cultural, technological, and artistic developments. Changes in vessel forms, manufacturing techniques, fabrics, tempers, colors, and decorative motifs can contribute significantly to the identification of cultural and chronological patterns and provide insights into the technological skills and artistic practices of pottery producers. This study examines the stylistic characteristics and chronological development of Ardabil-style pottery preserved in the Archaeological Museum of the Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili Mausoleum. The research employs a field- and museum-based method, descriptive–analytical and library-based research. The pottery assemblage examined consists primarily of confiscated archaeological objects transferred to the museum. Since the provenance and precise archaeological contexts of many of these objects were not documented, comparative analysis was undertaken using comparable specimens preserved in the National Museum of Iran, as well as materials recovered from archaeological sites in Iran and neighbouring regions. The study of Ardabil-style pottery represents an important aspect of the archaeology of northwestern Iran. Most known examples have entered museum collections through illicit excavations, whereas specimensrecovered through controlled archaeological excavations remain relativelylimited. The assemblage includes a variety of vessel forms, including jugs, cups and drinking vessels, vessels with trefoil-shaped rims, handled vessels, spouted vessels, drainage elements, and bases. The predominant colors are red, orange, and pale green, while the decorative repertoire consists mainly of geometric motifs, including triangular patterns, hatching, and buttonlikeornaments. Based on stylistic and comparative evidence, the pottery examined in this study can be broadly dated from the prehistoric period to the Late Parthian period, with the principal chronological range extending from the Late First Millennium BCE (Iron Age III) to the Late Parthian period. The results contribute to a better understanding of the formal,decorative, and chronological characteristics of Ardabil-style pottery and its place within the archaeological traditions of northwestern Iran.
Keywords
Northwest Iran
Ardabil-Style Pottery
Archaeological Museum of the Sheikh Safi Al-Din Ardabili Mausoleum
Parthian-Period Archaeology
Subjects
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Archaeological Research of Iran
Volume 16, Issue 49
2026
Pages 57-89