The Influence of Early Islamic Stucco Work in Iran on Anatolian Seljuk Art

Abstract

In this article, I want to dwell on the reflections of Abbasid stucco work on Anatolian Seljuk Art by way of Iranian Seljuk art. The origin dates back to Abbasid stucco works with stylized plant motifs from gth century Samarra, classified by Herzfeld as Group I and II. The well-known stucco workmanship in Iran, dating back to Parthians, has assumed a new character in Islamic Period through the influence of Samarra. The most dwelled upon group of stucco works from Samarra, the so-called Group I according to the above classification, constitute moulded examples in beveled style, influenced by Eurasian animal style, with stylized full of half palmettes, geometrical scrolls and button-like spots. Professor Ettinghausen has methodically demonstrated the continuation of this style in Islamic art for several centuries, with remarkable similarities in a very wide field, using different materials like stucco, wood or stone.