Iranian Ceramics and Pottery: A Timeless Artform
Introduction:
Ceramics and pottery have been made in Iran for over 5,000 years. The earliest evidence of pottery in Iran dates back to the Neolithic period, when simple clay pots were made for storage and cooking. Over time, Iranian potters developed more sophisticated techniques, and their work became increasingly beautiful and ornate.
From the Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea, a Ceramic Legacy:
Iranian ceramics and pottery can be found from the Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea. Each region has its own unique style, but there are also some common features. Iranian ceramics are often decorated with geometric patterns, floral motifs, and religious symbols. They are also often glazed in bright colors, such as blue, green, and yellow.
The History of Iranian Ceramics:
The history of Iranian ceramics can be divided into three main periods:
- The pre-Islamic period (from the Neolithic period to the Arab conquest of Iran in the 7th century AD)
- The Islamic period (from the 7th century AD to the 19th century AD)
- The modern period (from the 19th century AD to the present)
The Pre-Islamic Period:
The earliest evidence of pottery in Iran dates back to the Neolithic period. Simple clay pots were made for storage and cooking. Over time, Iranian potters developed more sophisticated techniques, and their work became increasingly beautiful and ornate.
The Islamic Period:
The Islamic period saw a great flowering of Iranian ceramics. Potters produced a wide variety of objects, including bowls, plates, jars, and vases. They also developed new techniques, such as underglaze painting and lusterware.
The Modern Period:
The modern period has seen a continuation of the Islamic tradition of ceramics in Iran. However, Iranian potters have also been influenced by Western styles, and they have produced a wide variety of new and innovative work.
The Importance of Iranian Ceramics:
Iranian ceramics are a testament to the skill and artistry of Iranian potters. They are also an important part of Iranian culture and history. Iranian ceramics can be found in museums and private collections all over the world. They are a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Iran.
Ceramic Industry is one of the oldest industries in the world The first everexcavated ceramic objects belonging to 10 to 12 thousand years ago were explored in Zagros mountain range in Iran that indicate a long and shining history in it Archeological studies in Iran have shown that pottery in Iran has a history as old as 8000 yearsPottery Cup Susa I Iran 4000 BC Susa is one of the oldest settlements with occupation dating as early as 7000 BC Susa was the capital of the Elam Empire located in the southwest region of Iran near the Karkheh River Pottery from this site is generally painted with geometric patterns and stylized simplified animalsThe predominant ethnic groups living in Iran consist of 51 Persian 24 Azeri 8 Gilaki and Mazandarani 7 Kurd 3 Arab 2 Lur Baloch and Turkmen 89 of
Iranians follow the Shia branch of Islam 9 are Sunni Muslim while Bahai Christian Jewish and Zoroastrian religions are practiced by 2 of the population World Fact Book 2007Bowl with a hunting scene from the tale of the 5thcentury king Bahram Gur and Azadeh mina39i ware Persian pottery or Iranian pottery is the pottery made by the artists of Persia Iran and its history goes back to early Neolithic Age 7th millennium BCE 1 Agriculture gave rise to the baking of clay and the making of utensils by the Wit and Wine explores how ancient Iranian potters made and decorated these vessels with high quality of Craftsmanship and design and often with a unique sense of humor Many pieces are shaped like animals or are painted with animal motifs Interpretations of wild and domesticated animals show
elegant deer powerful rams and amusing goatsIslamic pottery occupied a geographical position between Chinese ceramics and the pottery of the Byzantine Empire and Europe For most of the period it made great aesthetic achievements and influence as well influencing Byzantium and Europe The use of drinking and eating vessels in gold and silver the ideal in ancient Rome and Persia as CHINESEIRANIAN RELATIONS xi Mutual Influence of Chinese and Persian Ceramics Chinese influence on Persian ceramics Chinese ceramics were the single most important stimulus to the development of fine pottery in the Islamic world arriving first in the 3rd9th century Previously Islamic potters had produced mainly simple kitchen and storage ii PERSIAN ART IN THE ISLAMIC COLLECTION In 1893 a section devoted to Muslim
Art was created within the Département des objets dart and from the outset objects from Persia have been a most important part of this collection A few pieces of Persian Islamic art belonged to the collections before the 1880s when Emile Molinier served
Iranian ceramics and pottery are a timeless artform that continues to be admired and appreciated today. They are a testament to the skill and artistry of Iranian potters, and they are an important part of Iranian culture and history.