The Comparative Study of Art of Manufacturing Orosi and Stained Glass Windows in Iran and Europe

Zahra Sadat Abooei Mehrizi,Mohsen Marasy

doi:10.7596/taksad.v6i6.1231

Abstract

For a long time, glass manufacturing art has been globally common. There are certain similarities between Stained Glass and Orosi works. Based on historical texts, peak of Orosi art in Iran occurred during the reign of Safavid dynasty while its fall was after Qajar era. After introduction to churches after 12 th century, Stained Glass manufacturing art was officially recognized. In contemporary era, Orosi art has almost faded away since it did not adapt to architecture. Similarly, Stained Glass art did not develop after it was introduced to Iran. The objectives of comparison between these arts are clarification of effects of the two arts on each other as well as better understanding of Orosi glass and Stained Glass arts. From methodological viewpoint, this study is descriptive-analytical in nature. In order to obtain better results, similar and available works of Orosi and Stained Glass arts were studied. The results of comparing these two arts suggested similar manufacturing methods and designs. In addition, a common application of the two arts is communication of greatness of the building to visitors’ minds. Stained Glass was mostly used for representation of Christ’s story while Orosi art was commonly used for depicting geometrical patterns. As a result, Orosi art was not initially influenced by Stained Glass art. In some cases, one could claim that Stained Glass art was influenced by Orosi art. Numerous factors played a role in creating differences between these two arts among which one could point to climatic conditions and patrons of such arts.

Highlights

Glass manufacturing is one of the global arts with a long background in Iran
This art was not changed in Iran, and it was only the copy of European works, and innovation was only the implementation of the designs used in Orosi on the works of Stained Glass
The art of making Orosi reaches its peak during Safavid period and remains at the peak in the Qajar era

Summary

Introduction

Glass manufacturing is one of the global arts with a long background in Iran. Since manufacturing glass in sheet form is highly difficult, craftsmen of the era used cylindrical glasses for manufacturing window glasses. Introduction of flat glasses into Iran and manufacturing of colored glasses contributed to evolution of shape of windows and introduction of Orosi windows which are characterized by a combination of wood and glass. The windows used in courts, religious places and houses of aristocracy showed geometrical and herbal designs under light radiation. The start of this art is not clear because wood pieces used in these windows are perishable and these windows cannot be dated properly. After 15th century, the art opened its way out of churches into houses of elites and aristocratic families

Methodology

Design

Conclusion