Discover the Art of Mina’i Ware: National Museum of Iran Hosts Engaging Seminar

On Sunday, a specialized seminar on Mina’i ware took place at the National Museum of Iran, highlighting the significance of this exquisite pottery style in Islamic art. Leila Khamooshi, an expert in Islamic period pottery, presented her recent research findings, shedding light on the intricate details and historical context of Mina’i ware.

Khamooshi’s research was a collaborative effort involving specialists from various interdisciplinary fields, as well as the Islamic and pottery departments of the museum. The focus was primarily on the Mina’i ware collection, which holds immense importance at the National Museum of Iran. These ceramics predominantly date back to the Seljuk and Khwarezmian periods and were crafted in renowned cities such as Kashan, Ray, Gorgan, and Saveh.

One of the most remarkable advancements in Seljuk-era pottery, according to Khamooshi, was the invention of a white glass-like paste for crafting ceramic vessels. This innovative technique eliminated the need for potters to apply slip or a whitewash coating on their pottery, allowing for a more refined product. The decorative aspect of Mina’i ware is also noteworthy; it features intricate paintings on glazed surfaces and incorporates a vast array of colors, including gold and gilded elements.

Khamooshi explained that the decoration of these vessels is a complex process, often requiring:

• Multiple layers of painting
• Several kiln firings

As a result, these vessels were regarded as luxury items, often depicting lavish royal scenes. There was a profound connection between Mina’i potters and manuscript illustrators, as the motifs on these ceramics frequently echoed literary, historical, and religious themes, along with astronomical subjects.

The expert further noted that the motifs found on Mina’i ware could be compared to illustrations in manuscripts such as Varaqeh Golshah. Similar designs are also evident in metalwork, textiles, and other contemporary pottery. This connection underscores the rich artistic dialogue of the period.

In her presentation, Khamooshi concluded with the significance of specialized analyses conducted alongside general studies of the Mina’i collection. These analyses, including XRF, PIXE, petrography, dilatometry, and thermoluminescence, were performed with the expertise of professionals from the Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and Tourism and the University of Tehran. The primary goal was to gain accurate insights into various aspects of production methods, colors, paintings, materials, and dating of the samples.

Notably, the results of Khamooshi’s research culminated in the publication of a book titled Mina’i ware (The National Museum of Iran Collection), which was released in March 2024. This comprehensive 168-page book is divided into two main sections: the text and the catalog, covering an array of topics related to the art of pottery.

The book delves into:

• The key production centers during the Seljuk period
• Decoration techniques of Mina’i ware, often referred to as “seven-color” pottery
• The formation periods of Mina’i ceramics
• Dated and inscribed pieces of Mina’i ware
• Specific characteristics of Mina’i ware from notable regions like Ray, Kashan, Saveh, and Gorgan

Additionally, the book draws comparisons between the motifs on Mina’i ware and miniatures from contemporary manuscripts. It also examines the connections with motifs found in metal, textile, and stucco works, as well as the patterns of Seljuk clothing in relation to the decorations on Mina’i ceramics.

The analyses included in the publication emphasize various scientific methods, such as:

• XRF and PIXE: For identifying glazes and pigments
• Petrography: To examine the composition of clays
• Dilatometry: For determining firing temperatures
• Thermoluminescence: To validate relative dating based on material properties

This seminar not only highlighted the beauty and complexity of Mina’i ware but also showcased the collaborative efforts in research that enhance our understanding of this significant aspect of Islamic art. With its rich history and artistic value, Mina’i ware continues to be a subject of fascination and study, linking contemporary audiences to the cultural heritage of Iran.