بازیابی ظروف فلزی کاربردی دوره صفوی براساس نگاره های شاهنامه شاه طهماسبی

Examining the sources of Islamic metalwork, it is evident that the works preserved in museums, private collections, or Islamic-era sources are predominantly copper, iron, or bronze artifacts. Objects made of gold and silver have not survived in significant quantities. This absence is attributed to the corrosive nature of metals and the material value of gold and silver, as many such objects were melted down for financial purposes. The only reliable sources for understanding the types of functional utensils used during the Safavid era are paintings. These paintings not only depict everyday scenes but also realistically illustrate the objects in use, often with intricate detail. The purpose of this article is to analyze practical objects based on the illustrations in the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasabi. This research seeks to address two primary questions:
1. Which functional objects of the Safavid era are depicted in the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasabi?
2. What materials, shapes, and decorations characterize these objects?
Using a descriptive-analytical method and a qualitative approach, this study examines metal objects from the Safavid era as depicted in the illustrations of the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasabi. Data collection was conducted through library and electronic sources. The research sample consists of 60 images from the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasabi (931 AH), with 20 images selected as study samples through non-probability (judgmental) sampling. The selection criterion was the inclusion of at least one type of metal object in each image. Among the images with metal objects, those featuring repetitive or similar objects were excluded, resulting in a focused selection of 20 images. The metal objects identified and classified in this study include sorahi (flasks), tang (pitchers), teapots, candlesticks, torches, censers, medical equipment, and kitchen utensils. At the conclusion of the study, the formal and decorative features of these metal objects, as illustrated in the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasabi, were compared with descriptions from Safavid-era travelers. The findings reveal that the paintings of this period offer realistic depictions of metal objects, none of which exist in museums today, although other types of metal objects from the era are preserved in museums. The Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasabi is one of the most significant illustrated manuscripts of this period, showcasing metal objects in great detail and accuracy in terms of form and decoration. Since this article focuses on practical utensils, the examination of military equipment was excluded. The functional utensils depicted in daily use at the court include sorahi (flasks), abriq (ewer), candlesticks, serving and cooking dishes, torches, incense burners, and medical equipment. Among these, sorahi flasks were highly valuable during this period, with their golden appearance in the paintings suggesting they were crafted from gold. These containers were used individually or alongside other vessels to serve guests. Typically placed on a golden tray or basin lined with velvet cloth, they feature a spherical body, a long cylindrical neck, and a small lidded container secured with a chain. The decorative techniques observed include engraving and, in some cases, inlaying with precious stones. The predominant decoration involves grooves or spoon-like patterns reminiscent of Achaemenid-era vessels, along with geometric and plant motifs. Other vessels, such as sundries and basins, share similar material and decorative features. These items often include handles and spouts and were designed to be placed in basins. Given Islam's emphasis on cleanliness, such vessels were essential for ablution and washing before meals. Censers are also depicted in some illustrations, crafted from gold or silver, and were used to perfume palace interiors. Candlesticks are among the functional vessels depicted in palatial settings. A comparative study of their forms and decorations reveals that they were often circular or octagonal and featured geometric, plant, or inscription motifs. Torches are shown as square or rectangular mesh containers, likely crafted from copper or bronze, made using a stationary chopping technique. These objects collectively reflect the functional vessels present in Iranian paintings of the Safavid era.