Abstract
This paper attempts to survey the use of practical geometry in Sassanid stucco ornament in Ancient Persia to understand the construction of geometrical structures and the progressive process of practical geometry. By use of geometrical analysis, we trace changes of ornament and extract the underlying geometrical structure; we also use symmetry groups, the seven frieze groups and the seventeen wallpaper groups, in order to arrive at a deeper understanding of practical geometry in Sassanid stucco ornament. These analyses will evince features of Sassanid stucco ornament such as: motifs as part of the whole; rotational symmetry and repetition of motifs in linear networks; application of complicated geometrical structures with rotational or reflection symmetry; the planning of whole decorative panels. Also, analyzing the Sassanid stucco panels allows us to discover their repetitive units, which are then classified according to frieze and wallpaper groups.
Mahsa Kharazmi is a Ph.D. student of Art studies at Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. She is interested in geometric ornament and the relationship between mathematics and architectural ornament. She obtained her M.A. in 2010 with a thesis entitled “The Study of the Evolutional Process of Geometric Patterns in the Persian Architectural Ornament (Sassanid-Seljuq era)” under the advisement of Dr. Afhami and Prof. Tavoosi. Now she is working on her Ph.D. dissertation in the same field.
Reza Afhami is an architect and art historian who work on relationships between political power and art in ancient Iran, especially during the Achaemenid period.
Mahmood Tavoosi is Professor in ancient Persian culture and literature and and art historian with an interest in mythology.
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Kharazmi, M., Afhami, R., Tavoosi, M. (2012). A Study of Practical Geometry in Sassanid Stucco Ornament in Ancient Persia. In: Sarhangi, R. (eds) Persian Architecture and Mathematics. Nexus Network Journal. Birkhäuser, Basel. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-0507-0_4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-0507-0_4
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