A Comparative Study of the Similarities between the Ceramics of the Later pre-Islamic and Early Islamic Periods in Iran

Abstract

The ceramic art of Iran in early Islamic period followed the same way as the historical periods of Iran before Islam (Parthian and Sassanid). Arab’s poor knowledge of art caused them to enjoy the fruits of cultural and artistic heritage of their conquered realms. Since their religion inhibited them from eating and drinking in golden and silver dishes, they inclined to use ceramic dishes. They also enjoyed the fruits of ceramic art of pre-Islamic periods in Iran. Hence, a lot of ceramic works of early Islamic period in Iran have been affected by the art of pre-Islamic periods and consequently the similarities between these works resulted in some misunderstandings about the two periods. Therefore, it is necessary to shed light on the similarities between the potteries of the pre-and-after Islamic periods in Iran. It is also necessary to find out the portion of Iranian ceramic art in the success of Muslim ceramic artists all over the world. The present paper tries to investigate the subject analytically and descriptively by using library sources and historical methods. In this article, by Iran we mean the ancient Iranian Empire (particularly Parthian and Sassanid periods), not contemporary Iran with its geographical and political borders.