Model and Pattern of Safavid Brocaded Textiles (Case Study: Human Shape Designs)

Brocaded textile is made of gold or silver threads. This textile was produced during the Achaemenid period and in the Sassanid era, various designs were added, hence the evolution of this fabric proceeded. It was very much considered in the Timurid period with decorative effects and then was influenced by the narrative and illustrative aspects of Persian painting. With the domination of human image, a special style emerged that reached its peak in beauty during the Safavid period. This research tries to study in descriptive-analytical methodology and by the selection of fine examples the model and patterns of the samples that contain human forms. The findings of the research show that Iranian brocaded textiles, with regard to those having human forms, are so distinguished among other kinds of fabrics. Such textiles have been produced in two types: framed and frameless. They can also be seen in reflexive and reflective methods of decoration with plant and zoomorphic designs. It seems by acquiring sound knowledge of certain dimensions and concepts such as "linear analysis of human designs" and "complementary decoration", it would be understood that Safavid brocaded textiles convey a domination of "artistic value" and "decorative aesthetics" in Persian fabrics in compare to their practical function. The Brocaded textiles of Safavid period, with an emphasis on human forms, reflect the human-centered characteristics of the art of this period. It can be argued that the artists of this era competed with contemporary painters. The themes and general structure of the Safavid brocaded textiles, which are dominated by human shapes and designs, are mainly the application of decorative effects and the combination of domestic, wild and mythological animals, birds, trees and plants. Among these forms are the themes of romance, arrogance, hunting, gardening, and religion, with various methods of generalization, simple and reflective in the form of a frame and without frame. It should be noted that specific characteristics of these fabrics, the patterning method and the reverse motion rhythm are seen in multi-rowed fabrics.