Typology of animal motifs of Ilkhani period lapis lazuli tiles
Subject Areas : Archaeology
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Keywords: Typology of motifs, animal motifs, lapis lazuli tiles, Ilkhani period,
Abstract :
Extended Abstract
Tile decoration is one of the most beautiful and mystical branches of art during the Ilkhanid period, experiencing remarkable advancements with the support of distinguished and dedicated artists. This period became recognized as one of the most prominent periods in the history of tile art, even two centuries after its end. The development of tilework during this era was not gradual but accompanied by rapid and somewhat fundamental changes. In the 6th century AH, turquoise and lapis lazuli glazed tiles became widely popular, frequently used alongside unglazed bricks. These tiles were produced in various forms, including cross-shaped, hexagonal, pentagonal, octagonal stars, and asymmetric designs. Numerous motifs, which held intellectual and artistic significance from pre-Islamic Iran to the Ilkhanid period, were largely absent from Iranian art for many years due to the specific Islamic view on the nature of decorative motifs. With the establishment of the Ilkhanid dynasty, these motifs regained prominence. This study aims to explore the meanings of animal motifs used in lapis lazuli tiles of this period. Using a descriptive-analytical approach, the study seeks to answer the question of what meanings these animal motifs convey and which cultures influenced their development. The findings indicate that each animal motif on the lapis lazuli tiles conveys specific concepts and representations, including images of running gazelles, fish, and birds.
Introduction
Tilework is a significant feature of Iranian architecture, particularly in the Islamic period, where it formed the foundation for creating distinct designs, colors, and textures in buildings. During the Ilkhanid period, lapis lazuli tiles were used in various shapes and sizes, featuring a wide range of designs and motifs. The techniques used during this period include monochrome glazed tiles, underglaze, overglaze, mosaic, inlaid, and gilded tiles, as well as inscribed and enamelled tiles. The decorative motifs on these tiles included geometric, animal, human, and plant forms, executed in several tile workshops across Iran. Many intact examples of these tiles are preserved in museums and collections worldwide. This study focuses on understanding the meanings behind the animal motifs found on lapis lazuli tiles from the Ilkhanid era. Given the emphasis on decoration during this period, animal motifs were widely employed in tilework across various structures. This research seeks to answer questions such as: What were the main reasons for using lapis lazuli tiles with animal motifs during the Ilkhanid period? What are the various types of animal motifs used in the tiles of this period? Tilework is the only art form that has persisted from ancient times to the present day, and within the Islamic world, particularly in Iran, it stands out in style, technical advancements, and the use of diverse colors and forms. This study examines the lapis lazuli tiles of the Ilkhanid period, exploring their hidden meanings and identifying the animal motifs featured.
Methodology
This research adopts a descriptive and analytical approach to examine the animal motifs on lapis lazuli tiles from the Ilkhanid period. It focuses on analyzing the symbols, patterns, and the cultural significance of these motifs. The study utilizes various visual sources, museum collections, and scholarly articles to identify and classify the different animal motifs used in the tiles. This approach aims to uncover the cultural and symbolic meanings embedded in these designs and to trace their connections to different artistic traditions of the time.
Discussion
Tilework during the Ilkhanid period in Iran witnessed significant developments, particularly in the use of lapis lazuli-glazed tiles. These tiles were crafted in various geometric and organic forms, often incorporating intricate animal motifs. Animal imagery in this era is not just decorative; it carries deep symbolic meaning, reflecting the culture and beliefs of the time. The most common animals depicted in these tiles include the gazelle, fish, and birds, each of which carries its own symbolic significance in Iranian culture.
The gazelle, for example, is a symbol of beauty, grace, and speed. In Persian poetry and art, the gazelle often represents a lover's longing or the pursuit of an unattainable goal, reflecting themes of desire and idealization. The fish, another frequently used motif, symbolizes abundance, life, and fertility, often associated with water as a life-giving element. Birds, too, are commonly featured, symbolizing freedom, the soul, or divine messengers in Persian thought. The recurring use of these animals in tilework reflects their cultural and spiritual importance and their deep-rooted connection to Persian iconography.
The use of lapis lazuli in these tiles is significant in itself, as it was a precious material historically associated with divinity and the heavens. The vibrant blue color of the tiles evoked a sense of the celestial, elevating the spiritual atmosphere of the spaces in which they were placed. This technique, along with the animal motifs, served not only an aesthetic function but also an allegorical one, linking the earthly to the divine. The motifs may have been intended to convey themes of harmony with nature, divine protection, and the pursuit of higher spiritual ideals.
These tiles were used extensively in religious and public architecture, such as mosques, palaces, and mausoleums, where their role was to beautify the space while also imparting symbolic meanings to the visitors. The animal motifs on the tiles likely served to remind viewers of the connection between human beings, the natural world, and the divine order. Furthermore, the animal figures, with their dynamic and graceful depictions, might have been intended to invoke admiration and reverence for nature’s creatures, highlighting their sacred role in the universe.
Conclusion
The animal motifs found on lapis lazuli tiles from the Ilkhanid period carry profound symbolic and cultural meanings. Through their use of animal images like gazelles, fish, and birds, these tiles not only enhance the visual beauty of the architecture but also communicate important cultural and spiritual themes. The lapis lazuli tiles reflect a unique moment in Iranian tilework, where artistic creativity merged with religious and philosophical ideas. The study of these motifs provides valuable insights into the cultural priorities of the Ilkhanid period and offers a deeper understanding of the symbolic role that art played in the everyday life of the time. The lasting legacy of these tiles is a testament to the enduring power of artistic expression in bridging the material and spiritual worlds.
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