Amirhossein Hamidi-Khosrowshahi, Yaser Hamzavi,
Volume 4, Issue 2 (11-2021)
Abstract
The importance of architectural decorations and particularly the remained inscriptions that contain valuable information from distant times is not hidden from anyone. Therefore, it is very vital to preserve these precious artworks. The upcoming research is related to one of the oldest and rarest gypsum-based architectural decorations worked with a rare technique called Tokhmeh-Gozari. The Tokhmeh- Gozari technique have been worked in a limited number due to the difficulty in implementation, and only few number of them are passed to us. This historical work is a written and two-color inscription in Thuluth script in the Sayyid Fathullah mausoleum in Varamin. This mausoleum, which was registered in the list of national monuments in 2004, belongs to the Ilkhanid era. Also, the mentioned inscription with dimensions of 65 * 150 cm, was executed in three lines and had damages such as structural cracks on the surface along with the chemical damages. According to the decision of the trustees of the mausoleum to destroy the inscription, and also knowing that this inscription is among the oldest gypsum-based cast decorations with Tokhmeh-Gozari technique, the aim of this research is to preserve the work in its original location (the northern side of the mausoleum) and
restore it according to the best possible method. In order to achieve the most appropriate method of restoration of this inscription, the ethics
of restoration interventions were adjusted according to the artwork. And the practical part of the work, respectively included; Structural consolidation of the inscription, peeling off the inscription that led to the discovery of another inscription, mechanical and chemical cleaning, consolidating the mortar structure using fabric paste, surface stabilization, filling the lacuna using colored gypsum mortar, framing the inscription. Also, after finishing the restoration process of the artwork, it became possible for the audience to read the inscription carefully and to comprehend its conceptual content thoroughly, and the date of its creation, was revealed.
Dr. Hamid Fadaei, Dr. َazita Mirzaye, Mr. Kazem Borhani-Ahang,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (9-2026)
Abstract
The stucco decorations of Yazdegerd Castle, located in Kermanshah Province, hold a significant place in the study of Parthian-period Iran. Nearly three decades after the initial excavations of the site by Edward J. Keall, further excavations carried out in 2008 by the late Dr Masoud Azarnoush led to the discovery of new stucco fragments. In light of the conservation challenges associated with these decorations, attention was drawn to the need for their in situ preservation. Many of the fragments recovered from debris and soil had suffered from erosion, delamination, or salt encrustation due to soluble salts present in the soil, rendering the detailed study of the motifs difficult or impossible. Moreover, some of the stucco elements still in situ on the walls were severely affected by erosion. This study employs both archival research and fieldwork to collect and assess information related to the site and its stucco decorations. Key conservation activities included the removal of surface deposits using physical and chemical methods, reassembly and consolidation of fragments, and the organisation of appropriate storage conditions for the finds. The research indicates that techniques such as one-piece or multi-part moulding, direct carving or chiselling, followed by manual finishing and, in some cases, polychrome painting, were employed in the production of the stucco decorations. The findings also highlight the necessity for specialised measures and ongoing interventions to ensure the preservation of stucco in open-air archaeological contexts. Given the large number of stucco fragments uncovered at Yazdegerd Castle, the design and implementation of a comprehensive and long-term conservation plan is essential for safeguarding this valuable heritage. In this regard, several recommendations are offered to improve current conditions and enhance the quality of future conservation efforts at the site.
