Sasanian Arts Flashcards
What did Carvings and Reliefs in Sasanian Architecture show?
Kings, nobility, and religious scenes. These carvings were typically found on rock faces, monuments, and buildings
What is an Iwan?
A typically vaulted, semi-circular hall or area enclosed on three sides, with one end left completely open. This was invented by Parthians
What are important points about the Relief Sculpture?
-Abstract style, but shared some naturalistic features
-The holy ring given to Khosrow signifies his divine power
-Symmetrical Composition
-The crescent moon plays a key role in Sasanian Art
What is Sasanian Artists’ skill in representing drapery?
It is a testament to their mastery of stone carving and their ability to convey the richness and cultural nuances of clothing during the period
What are Bas-Relief Carvings in Sasanian Architecture?
Where figures and scenes are carved into stone or rock surfaces, often depicting religious, mythological, or royal subjects. These carvings can be found on rock faces, palaces, and monuments
What are the Royal and Religious Themes in Sasanian Architecture?
They depicted scenes related to the Sasanian kings and their interactions with gods and divine beings. Zoroastrian religious themes are also prominent, with depictions of fire alters, priests, and religious rituals
What are Elaborate Costumes and Crowns in Sasanian Architecture?
Figures in Sasanian reliefs are often adorned with intricately detailed costumes, jewelry, and crowns. These elaborate details reflect the opulence and stats of the rulers and nobility of the time
How is Hierarchical Composition represented in Sasanian Architecture?
With the most important or divine figures placed at the center or in a more prominent position. This composition reinforces the power and authority of the central figures
How were symbols used in Sasanian Architecture?
They are commonly incorporated into Sasanian sculptures, including Zoroastrian symbols representing a guardian spirit, sun discs, and other religious and royal symbols
Naturalistic and Abstract Elements in Sasanian Architecture:
Sasanian sculptures tend to be abstract, they also include elements of naturalism, with attention to anatomy and the representation of drapery and clothing
Influence of Later Art in Sasanian Architecture:
Sasanian Art and sculpture had a significant influence on the art of neighboring regions, including Central Asian and the Byzantine Empire. The use of motifs and artistic techniques from Sasanian Art can be seen in the art of these regions
Evolution of Style in Sasanian Architecture:
Over the centuries of the Sasanian Empire, there was an evolution in the style of Sasanian sculpture. Early Sasanian Art exhibits more Parthian influences, while later works show an ore distinct Sasanian style
What are the sacred texts of Zoroastrianism known as?
Avesta, which includes hymns, rituals, and teachings attributed to Zoroaster
What does Zoroastrianism introduce?
A dualistic cosmology with the constant struggle between Ahura Mazda (good) and Angra Mainyu (evil)
What is the main symbol of Zoroastrianism?
Fire is a symbol of purity and divinity in Zoroastrianism. Temples include sacred fires that are continuously kept burning
What did Zoroastrianism influence?
Other monotheistic religions including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
What did Sculpture and Statuary in Sasanian Architecture depict?
While it was rare it depicted kings, nobility, and deities in various forms
Architecture in Sasanian Art:
It is characterized by its use of large-scale brick construction and monumental structures. Examples include the Taq Kasra (the Arch of Ctesiphon), palaces and fire temples. The arch has an impressive size, with a span of approximately 82 feet and a height of about 97 feet. Its grand scale reflects the Architectual powers of the Sasanian Empire
Are Textiles important to Sasanian Art?
Textiles are one of the main art products which were traded over the Silk Road
What materials were used in Sasanian Textiles?
They were made from luxurious materials such as silk, wool, and sometimes cotton. Silk was particularly prized for its softness and sheen, and it was often used for weaving intricate patterns
How were Animal Motifs incorporated into Sasanian Textiles?
Various animals such as fictional and natural birds, floral motifs and so on. These motifs often have a stylized and decorative quality
What is a Simurq?
A mythical and legendary creature found in Persian folklore, the Simurq is often described as a large, benevolent, and wise bird or bird-like creature. Its main features include an eagle head and two or three long tails
What are Sasanian Textiles known for?
Vibrant and rich colors. They used a wide range of des, including natural dyes extracted from plants and insects, to achieve colors such as red, blue, green, and yellow
What do Sasanian Textiles consist of?
Motifs enclosed within small medallions, and these motifs are symmetrically arranged
