Introducing the wooden works in the National Museum of Iran

Wood, as one of the oldest materials used in human civilizations, has found a special place in Iranian culture. In Iran, wood has a prominent presence not only in architectural structures and practical tools, but also in the creation of works of art with aesthetic value. The wooden works in the National Museum of Iran are a clear manifestation of the artistic taste, carving techniques, inscriptions, and religious and cultural beliefs of Iranian artists in different centuries.

The wooden pulpit of the Surian Grand Mosque: An Ilkhanid masterpiece

One of the most outstanding wooden works in this museum is the carved pulpit of the Surian Grand Mosque in Bavanat, Fars, which was built in 771 AH, during the Ilkhanid period. This pulpit, with a height of over 387 centimeters, has intricate knotwork decorations, calligraphic inscriptions, and geometric motifs, which are a testament to the skill of Iranian artists in combining art and faith. The symbolic role of this pulpit in religious ceremonies and its magnificent structure have given it a special historical and cultural value.

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Wooden door of the Four Kings Mausoleum in Lahijan: A showcase of Safavid art

Another work is a wooden door with eye-catching carvings belonging to the Four Kings Mausoleum in Lahijan, which dates back to 1015 AH (Safavid era). With its Islamic motifs, religious inscriptions, and technical elegance in its structure, this door is considered one of the most brilliant examples of religious wooden art of the Safavid era. The aforementioned door not only had an architectural function, but also, like a sacred artistic painting, carries religious and aesthetic messages.

Wooden window with Kufic inscription: A remnant from the 6th century AH

Another impressive work is a wooden window measuring 268 x 42 cm, which has an inscription in Kufic script and was built in 520 AH. This work shows that even in practical elements such as windows, there was a role for pictorial taste and religious meaning. The presence of Kufic script in this window, while expressing its antiquity, reveals a strong connection between art and faith in the early Islamic centuries of Iran.

Artistic and symbolic values

What makes these wooden works more than mere practical tools is the presence of meaning, symbol, and narrative in their form. Each pulpit, door, or window carries a part of the cultural and religious memory of the Iranians. The linear inscriptions, Islamic, geometric, and plant motifs, and precise geometric proportions in these works indicate a cosmic and order-oriented vision in the worldview of Iranian artists.

Challenges and the necessity of conservation

Given the vulnerable nature of wood, the conservation of these works requires precise restoration knowledge and specific climatic conditions. The National Museum of Iran has provided optimal conservation conditions for this valuable heritage by utilizing modern technologies. But the importance of digital recording, 3D scans, and scientific documentation of these works are also important challenges in the path of their preservation.

Conclusion

The wooden works of the National Museum of Iran are not only lasting relics of the artistic skill and thought of Iranian artists in historical periods, but can also inspire future generations to combine tradition and innovation in art. These works tell stories that keep the history and culture of Iran alive forever through carved lines, Kufic inscriptions, and wooden architectural forms.