کاشی‌های زرین فام نویافته از زیارتگاه شاه‌یلمان کاشان

Abstract

In this study, the focus is on the luster tiles from the Shah Yalman Shrine in Kashan. In the autumn of 2015, a fire broke out inside the shrine, after which the tiles under study were largely damaged. For their protection, these tiles were transferred to the Cultural Heritage Department of Kashan and later in 2015 moved to the National Museum of Bagh-e Fin, Kashan. To date, no information about these tiles has been published, nor have they been exhibited. Because of their high cultural and material value, we examined them with respect to decoration and the techniques employed. Since the tiles bear no maker’s signature, we compared them with signed works of similar style and technique. This research addresses the following questions: (1) Do the recovered luster tiles belong originally to this building, or were they brought here from elsewhere? (2) From a stylistic perspective, to which workshop, family, or master can the luster tiles be attributed? The authors examined the shrine tiles using a descriptive-comparative method. Eleven tiles were studied in total; each was documented in detail, including photography and pattern drawings, and relevant archival information was gathered in a specialized library. In appearance, the tiles closely resemble those from other sacred sites, including tiles associated with the shrine of Imam Reza. The findings indicate that the tiles most likely did not originally belong to the Shah Yalman Shrine and appear to have had a use other than as tombstones before subsequently being installed in that function within this building. The study further suggests that the luster tiles examined share the same designer or group of designers as works found in other buildings. The research also comprehensively documents the tiles’ conservation history and reviews archival records that inform contextual interpretation and provenance assessment.