A Look at the Pottery Style of Abu Zayd Kashani

Abstract

The Islamic Middle Ages represented the flourishing period of various arts, including pottery, during which the increased artistic freedom gave rise to ingenious artistic and literary creations. Geographical and political situation in Kashan caused its local pottery to develop into a trans-regional industry. Despite the similarity between the themes used by the local workshops, differences are also evident. For precise identification of styles used in individual workshops, it is necessary to identify the styles specific to individual workshops and potters. Abu Zayd is the most common signature found on the Kashan pottery style. His aspiration to perpetuate his name on his works suggests that he was the leading figure in the advent and later advance of the style. The findings of this research show that a large number of works produced during and after Abu Zayd’s lifetime closely resemble his own creations. He worked in the Kashan style, and his techniques were retained in other workshops after his demise. Potters have bequeathed valuable works that were modeled after Abu Zayd’s style. The study of Abu Zayd’s works reveals that while they share wide similarities with those of his fellows, a part from his signature he had employed his own peculiar designs and motifs. There are cases of single designs in which the main patterns were worked by Abu Zayd and the details were left for other hand(s). Such collaboration as well as mentoring were the main reasons behind the dissemination of his style.