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Analysis Study of the Affectability of Manichaean Symbolic and Decorative Motifs in the Arts of the Sassanid Period

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 associate professor at Department of Painting, Faculty of Arts, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran

2 M. A, of Painting Department, Faculty of Arts, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran

10.22059/jhss.2024.377032.473715

Abstract

Manifestism is one of the important movements of the Sassanid period and Manifest painting forms a part of Iranian art history. Knowledge of Manichaean religion and art reveals a part of ancient Iranian culture and rituals. The religious beliefs of the Manichaeans have been manifested in the form of symbols and codes in their paintings. Symbolic motifs in Manichae paintings include human motifs, animal motifs, plant motifs, geometric motifs, and mixed motifs. This study is aimed to identify common symbolic and decorative motifs between Manichaean and Sasanian works. The research question is raised as follows: Which of the symbolic and decorative motifs in Manichaean paintings are similar to Sasanian works in implementation and theme? This study raises new issues and claims in the rooting of Manichaean painting art and tries to prove the hypothesis that Manichaean art was significantly affected by the art of the Sassanid period. In previous studies, researchers have pointed out some common motifs between Manichaean and Sasanian art. However, in this study, more samples have been studied to identify and solve some ambiguities and complexities that existed in Manichaean art from Turfan Oasis. This study has been done using a library-documentary study and descriptive-analytical method and with a comparative approach between Manichaean and Sasanian art. By studying Manichaean paintings and Sassanid works, it can be said that there are motifs such as pearls, lotus flowers, ducks, grapes, and pomegranates, and some decorative motifs such as Khatai motifs and wavy bands in Manichaean paintings, which are found in the artworks of the Sassanid period. The studied samples in Manichaean paintings have many similarities with Sasanian works in terms of appearance. In terms of meaning and concept, there is not much similarity between them in terms of partial theme. However, in terms of the overall theme, they have something in common in terms of linking Manichaean and Sasanian motifs with myths

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Historical Sciences Studies
Volume 16, Issue 1 - Serial Number 37
August 2024
Pages 25-52
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