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Showing 2 results for Ilkhanid Period
Study and Analysis of the Wall Paintings Technology in the Chelleh-Khaneh of Pir-e Bakran Shrine
Saman Torabi,
Volume 1, Issue 2 (7-2017)
Abstract
The study and examination of Iranian wall paintings, given their historical significance and visual-artistic value, have consistently attracted the attention of researchers and art historians. When the topic of Iranian painting is raised, images found in manuscripts and albums often come to mind. However, it should not be overlooked that Iranian artists have long been active in various fields of visual and decorative arts. Evidence suggests that the art of wall painting predates the tradition of book illustration by a considerable margin. In ancient times, wall painting held the greatest prominence among various forms of visual arts. Nevertheless, during the four centuries of Mongol rule over Iran, its significance diminished substantially in comparison to book illustration. It was not until the Safavid period that this visual art form regained attention, with examples of it observable in the royal palaces preserved from that era. As noted, during the Mongol period, the importance of wall paintings significantly declined compared to book illustration, and despite the presence of valuable miniature paintings, few wall paintings from this period have survived. The paintings in the Chelleh-Khaneh of the Pir-e Bakran Shrine are among the rare surviving pictorial examples from this era, featuring designs and motifs closely resembling the miniatures of the schools of that period. They also exhibit notable differences from Safavid wall paintings in terms of composition, the colors used, and the design of motifs. Therefore, in addition to studying the visual elements and comparing them with the surviving miniatures from this period, it is essential to investigate the technical aspects, execution methods, and materials used in this valuable historical and artistic work. This article endeavors, within the limits of available resources, to enhance understanding of the work through comparative-historical and technological studies. To this end, laboratory methods were employed to analyze the types of colors used in the work and the techniques of their application. However, due to limitations in sampling from this highly exquisite and unique piece, the study of the materials and substances used in the execution of its decorations remains incomplete, with shortcomings that are hoped to be addressed in future stages of research and investigation .

Technical Study, Laboratory Investigations, and Damage Assessment of the Stucco ‎Inscription of Aq Qaleh ‎ Mosque in Sabzevar and Its Conservation and Restoration
Masoud Bater, Mahbobeh Rastin ,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (11-2025)
Abstract
The stucco inscription of Aq Qaleh ‎ Mosque in Neqab, Sabzevar, represents one of the most significant Ilkhanid architectural ornaments in eastern Iran, distinguished by its artistic, historical, and technological value. This study aims to identify the construction and execution techniques, diagnose patterns of deterioration, conduct laboratory analyses, and develop a scientifically grounded approach for the conservation and restoration of the inscription. Initially, field surveys and imaging techniques were employed to document the overall condition of the monument, including its structural characteristics, paint layers, stucco carving, and decorative elements. Subsequently, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses were performed to determine the mineralogical structure and chemical composition of the pigments, indicating the use of natural mineral colorants such as red ochre and ultramarine. The diagnostic phase identified multiple deterioration factors, including damage caused by moisture, thermal fluctuations, structural stresses, chemical and biological agents, and inappropriate earlier interventions. Based on these findings, the restoration process comprised cleaning, consolidation, reconstruction of missing decorative and inscriptional elements, chromatic reintegration, and final stabilization, all carried out in accordance with the principles of reversibility, Limited intervention and compatibility in appearance. In addition, a set of preventive ‎conservation measures aimed at ensuring preservation for an extended period was ‎proposed, encompassing environmental control, the installation of protective barriers, staff training, and the mitigation of structural moisture. What distinguishes this research from previous studies on Ilkhanid stucco conservation is the integrated application of advanced laboratory analyses and in situ diagnostic investigations to develop a coherent, tailored conservation framework for polychrome stucco inscriptions, an approach that has not been systematically articulated within previous studies of eastern Iranian architectural ornamentation.

 
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