Bodies and Glazes of Architectural Ceramics from the Ilkhanid Period at Takht-e Soleyman (North-Western Iran)

Bodies and glazes of tiles from the Ilkhanid period found at UNESCO World Heritage site Takht-e Soleyman were studied to identify materials certain technical characteristics architectural ceramics as part a larger project establish different productions. In addition, ceramic vessels excavated analysed for comparison. µXRF, SEM/EDX, Raman spectroscopy used material investigations. Qualitative non-invasive µXRF results allowed categorisation bodies based on their overall composition. Quantitative analysis by SEM/EDX subset samples delivered detailed glazes. Tiles, made clay or stonepaste, almost exclusively decorated with mixed alkaline lead glaze. The PbO content this type glaze ranged 8 wt% 25 wt%. some corresponded locally kiln furniture. Moreover, residues preserved furniture proved be 15 wt%, composition that is comparable tiles’ For more insights into local regional production tiles, supplementary in-depth studies including petrographic would needed confirm further specify results.