Investigating and Studying the Visual Features of Metal Knockers and Studsthe Doors of the Historical Buildings in the Qajar Era in Ardabil City

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Postdoctoral Researcher in Islamic Archaeology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Archeology, Faculty of Literature and Human Scinces, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran,

3 M.A. in Archeology, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Literature and Human Scinces, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: In general, out of the total of 34 remaining houses from the Qajar period in the historical context of Ardabil, only about 15 of these works have the entrance facade, wooden door and decorative facade of the building. These entrances are divided into two groups: entrances belonging to the early and middle Qajar period, and entrance doors belonging to the late Qajar period. In general, various decorative knockers, back plates and studs stand out on the mentioned wooden doors. The importance and necessity of the research lies in the fact that the wooden doors of historical Qajar houses in the old context of Ardabil are the first elements that attract the viewer's attention with their additions and detailed metal decorations. The need to preserve and maintain them, as well as to introduce them to other enthusiasts and art lovers helps preserve the historical heritage of cities and the country, and increases their attention to other aspects of traditional architecture. Their thought and effort in creating precious Iranian arts is meaningful. On the other hand, metal knockers, along with other artistic elements on the doors, between the surfaces of thatched, clay and even brick walls, create a combination that, apart from enlivening the movement of the eye, refreshes the mind amid the monotony. Mud walls are a good indication of the development of a certain type of culture and special artistic features.
Purposes & Questions: The purpose of this research is to investigate the morphology and identify the visual characteristics of metal knockers and studs used in historical Qajar-era buildings in the ancient context of Ardabil. In addition, the study seeks to examine the motifs and decorative elements applied to these objects and to explore the reasons for their use as well as their symbolic meanings. In this context, the research addresses how many types of motifs are present on the knockers and studs of historical Qajar houses in Ardabil, what kinds of motifs they include, and what meanings these motifs convey.
Methods: The current research is qualitative in nature. It is fundamental and theoretical in terms of purpose and it was done in a descriptive-analytical way. Data were collected through field surveys and library research. The statistical population of the study consists of the motifs of the facades of the historical houses of the old context of Ardabil, and the total number of samples examined in this research is 15 intact facades with decorative works. Data were analyzed qualitatively.
Findings & Results: The investigation and study of the functional-decorative elements on the doors of the historical houses of the Qajar era in the ancient context of Ardabil shows that the three elements of knockers, studs and back plates with their various forms and decorative motifs have a special effect. The wooden doors of this building depict the genius and artistry of the masters of this period. On these doors, men's knockers with elongated and long rectangular shape have the highest number among other sizes. Also, the heart-shaped or teardrop-shaped knockers are used more than other forms for women. Men's knockers in these houses have more diversity both in terms of form and in terms of more detailed patterns and decorations. But on the other hand, women's knockers have more elegance and the motifs and decorations in these works are created with more precision and sensitivity. Qajar studs have a circular design with a convex cap, and the two motifs of Panirak flower and Shamseh design are mostly used in these works. Besides these functional elements, back plates are among the decorative elements that are abundantly seen on the Qajar-era doors of Ardabil. These back plates can be divided into three groups: back plates under the knockers, back plates under the studs, and those on the frame or body of the doors. Geometric, plant, and animal motifs including sun, circle, peacock tail, lotus flower, cypress, medallion and multi-petal flowers are the most important decorations of these elements. The two methods of brushwork and meshwork are decorative techniques used in all these works while the contribution of the brushwork technique is more evident. The conducted studies show that the general form of these elements and the decorative motifs placed on them, in addition to the aesthetic aspect and the aesthetic sense that they instill in the viewer, also support the beliefs, intentions and convictions of the Muslim artist of the Qajar era. In the end, it can be concluded that the artists of the Qajar era chose the form of these elements, and the decorative motifs on them with full awareness, and in this regard, the religious significance was always more important than the decoration and the type of pattern, form and image.

Keywords

References

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Negareh Journal
Volume 21, Issue 77
March 2026
Pages 264-287

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  • Receive Date: 15 April 2025
  • Revise Date: 22 August 2025
  • Accept Date: 31 August 2025

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