Aesthetics of Stucco and Tiles
DFG Project

Project Description

Artistic techniques and aesthetics of architectural decoration in medieval Iran have long been recognized as a topic of crucial importance in Islamic Art. This project proposes the first systematic research designed to achieve a deeper understanding of this field. It is based on information gathered in large-scale research of monuments with art historical and archaeometric research methods. The project focuses on monuments which were built or decorated between the 11th and 14th centuries (Seljuq-Ilkhanid period).

Stucco, tiles and wall paintings appear on religious and secular monuments: mosques and mausoleums, palaces and caravanserais. Although the Seljuq and Ilkhanid dynasties originated outside Iran, they based their rule on an infrastructure rooted in Iran and in the Islamic cultures of the Middle East. The art and material culture of Iran during this period thus evolved from the pre-existing legacy of pre-Islamic and Islamic Iranian civilizations. Both dynasties formed a uniquely productive climate for the flourishing of arts, crafts and architecture. While the Mongol invasion of the Iranian plateau is frequently interpreted as a major historical break, it appears that the material cultures of the Seljuq and Ilkhanid periods are closely interrelated and were shaped by indigenous traditions and political agendas of the local elites.

The principal aim of the research project is to provide an understanding of Seljuq and Ilkhanid stucco revetment aesthetics. According to the core hypothesis, these architectural revetments did not have simply function as ornamentation or adornment but had specific functions of highlighting selected architectural elements and spaces, thus bolstering the devotional significance of architectural spaces.

Characteristics of function, meaning and artistic principles of architectural revetments determined their aesthetics. The concept of architectural revetment aesthetics encompasses decorative principles of artists, craftsmen and designers, which constitute their artistic rationale for the production of revetments. Decorative hierarchies of different media, relations between the aesthetics, functions and patronage of architectural revetments, are addressed with regard to their architectural context.

Approximately forty structures located in various regions of Iran will be examined with a focus on material and aesthetic features of (mainly interior) architectural revetments. Field campaigns for the research of monuments comprise detailed documentation (connected with art historical study) and the collecting of stucco samples in order to determine pigmentation and composition. Results of archaeometric analyses will be collated with epigraphic and historiographic material, in order to assess their historical context as well as aesthetic characteristics.

This way, regional characteristics of stucco production, possible characteristics and mobility of stucco workshops, and provenance of the material used for the stuccos will be better understood.Ultimately, evidence for the dating of undated decorative stuccos can also be provided. On this basis, questions regarding function, aesthetics and meaning of stuccos, tiles and wall paintings are going to be discussed.

Such research should also impact efforts for preservation of ruined monuments, such as the Haftshuya Friday mosque and the Gar Friday mosque, or severely endangered monuments, such as the Afin Friday mosque and Ribat-i Mahi caravanserai.

The final output is going to consist of a more comprehensive understanding of architectural decoration in medieval Iran. The interdisciplinary approach can help to bridge gaps between the disciplines of Archaeology, Cultural Heritage Conservation and Art History.