Title: Western Iranian Metalwork during 12th and Early 13th Centuries

Abstract: From the beginning of the 12th century until the Mongol invasion in the second decade of the 13th century, the province of Khurasan in north east of greater Iran was the main center for producing luxurious inlaid bronzes and brasses. The condition of metalwork in other cultural and industrial regions and centers of greater Iran, however, is not known much due primarily to the lack of material and written evidence; but there is outstanding contribution to Iranian metalwork from other regions. This paper will explore centers of metalwork other than the Khurasani School, and discuss their distinct artistic identity using evidence from stylistic and typological distinction of decorations on pieces that have survived. To specify the argument, a high-tin bronze bowl from Iranian National Museum, and a bronze aquamanile in the Hermitage Museum, will be analyzed iconographically.

Keywords: Metalwork, Khurasani School, Iranian art, iconology, iconography

Author: Taher Rezazadeh, Associate Professor, Arts and Architecture, Science and Research Branch, Azad University, Tehran, Iran.