Volume 14, Issue 52 (8-2025)
Haft Hesar J Environ Stud 2025, 14(52): 95-108 |
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Rezaei S, Sharifzadeh M, Bazrafkan K. Analysis of the form and meaning of lime-carved motifs in the historical house of Sultan Mehdi Pasha (Amol City). Haft Hesar J Environ Stud 2025; 14 (52) :95-108
URL: http://hafthesar.iauh.ac.ir/article-1-2246-en.html
URL: http://hafthesar.iauh.ac.ir/article-1-2246-en.html
Abstract: (137 Views)
Introduction: The historical house of Sultan Mehdi Pasha in Amol, Mazandaran, stands as a testament to the rich architectural and artistic heritage of Iran's Qajar era. Among its most notable features are the lime-carved decorations (Ahak-bori), which not only serve an aesthetic purpose but also embody profound symbolic meanings rooted in Iranian-Islamic culture. This study aims to classify these motifs and uncover their hidden semantic connotations, which reflect religious beliefs, mythological narratives, and daily life during the Qajar period.
Methodology: This research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, combining field studies with library research. Data were collected through direct observation, photography, and vectorization of motifs using Adobe Illustrator. The sample included lime-carved motifs from eight walls of the Sultan Mehdi Pasha house, analyzed qualitatively to categorize themes and interpret their symbolic meanings. The study focuses on human, animal, plant, hybrid, and symbolic motifs, drawing connections to cultural and religious contexts.
Results: The motifs were categorized into several thematic groups: Human Motifs: Depicting Qajar-era daily life, often incomplete or combined with other elements; Hybrid Motifs: Such as lion-bird and human-bird combinations, symbolizing royalty, protection, and divine power; Animal Motifs: Including peacocks (immortality and eternal bliss), rabbits (cleverness and overcoming adversaries), and lions (power and triumph of good over evil); Plant Motifs: The "Tree of Life" representing paradise (Tuba Tree) and vases symbolizing growth and divine essence; Symbolic Motifs: The "Sun-Lady" motif, embodying divine power, mercy, and affection. These motifs reveal a deep connection to Iranian-Islamic mythology, religious narratives, and socio-cultural values of the Qajar period.
Discussion: The lime-carved decorations of Sultan Mehdi Pasha's house are not merely ornamental but serve as a visual language conveying cultural identity, spiritual beliefs, and historical narratives. The decline in the use of such motifs over time highlights the urgency of preserving and studying these artistic treasures. This research contributes to the understanding of regional art and architecture, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary studies to decode the symbolic layers of historical artworks. The findings also underscore the importance of integrating these motifs into contemporary art and restoration projects to sustain cultural heritage.
Methodology: This research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, combining field studies with library research. Data were collected through direct observation, photography, and vectorization of motifs using Adobe Illustrator. The sample included lime-carved motifs from eight walls of the Sultan Mehdi Pasha house, analyzed qualitatively to categorize themes and interpret their symbolic meanings. The study focuses on human, animal, plant, hybrid, and symbolic motifs, drawing connections to cultural and religious contexts.
Results: The motifs were categorized into several thematic groups: Human Motifs: Depicting Qajar-era daily life, often incomplete or combined with other elements; Hybrid Motifs: Such as lion-bird and human-bird combinations, symbolizing royalty, protection, and divine power; Animal Motifs: Including peacocks (immortality and eternal bliss), rabbits (cleverness and overcoming adversaries), and lions (power and triumph of good over evil); Plant Motifs: The "Tree of Life" representing paradise (Tuba Tree) and vases symbolizing growth and divine essence; Symbolic Motifs: The "Sun-Lady" motif, embodying divine power, mercy, and affection. These motifs reveal a deep connection to Iranian-Islamic mythology, religious narratives, and socio-cultural values of the Qajar period.
Discussion: The lime-carved decorations of Sultan Mehdi Pasha's house are not merely ornamental but serve as a visual language conveying cultural identity, spiritual beliefs, and historical narratives. The decline in the use of such motifs over time highlights the urgency of preserving and studying these artistic treasures. This research contributes to the understanding of regional art and architecture, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary studies to decode the symbolic layers of historical artworks. The findings also underscore the importance of integrating these motifs into contemporary art and restoration projects to sustain cultural heritage.
Type of Study: Research |
Received: 2025/08/3 | Accepted: 2025/08/1 | Published: 2025/08/1 | ePublished: 2025/08/1
Received: 2025/08/3 | Accepted: 2025/08/1 | Published: 2025/08/1 | ePublished: 2025/08/1
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