Zagros Archaeological Researches

Zagros Archaeological Researches

Typology and Classification of Pottery Produced in Iran during the Safavid Period

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Assistant Professor, Department of Archaeology, Lorestan University, Khoramabad, Iran.
Abstract
The Safavid period represents one of the most significant historical eras in Iran with regard to ceramic production. Throughout this era, a wide range of both unglazed and glazed pottery was manufactured and utilized in various production centers. Although numerous studies have been conducted on these ceramics, most have primarily focused on certain well-known types such as blue-and-white ware, Gombroon ware, Kubachi ware, and lustreware. As a result, many other types of ceramics from this period remain inadequately studied and poorly understood. This situation underscores the necessity of conducting an independent and comprehensive investigation into the ceramics of this era. Accordingly, the present study has been undertaken with the aim of establishing a typology and classification of pottery produced during the Safavid period. The central research question of this study is: What types of pottery were produced and used in Iran during the Safavid era? To address this, a descriptive-classificatory methodology has been employed, with data gathered through library-based research and the examination of collections housed in various museums both inside and outside Iran. The findings indicate that, in addition to the well-known types, a considerable variety of other glazed and unglazed wares were also produced during this period. Among these, stonepaste and, to some extent, earthenware vessels decorated with underglaze-painted designs exhibit the greatest diversity.
Keywords

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Volume 2, Issue 1
June 2025
Pages 191-162

  • Receive Date 21 September 2025