red by a dome. During this early period, ceramics were raised to a major art form. The finest were the “calligraphy wares” of Nishapur and Samarkand. The star-shaped tomb tower of Qabus (1006) presents a form with far-reaching influence. Both pottery and metalwork were further developed under the Seljuk Turks in the 11th and 12th centuries. Luster and “minai” ceramics-using overglaze enamel colors including leaf gilding-both with intricate scenes of court life, were produced at Rayy, Kashan, and elsewhere.The Mongol and Timurid PeriodsThe Mongol invasions of the first half of the 13th century destroyed many towns and much art. We know little of Persian painting until the so-called Mongol school of the 14th century. The most famous work of this period is the magnificent Demotte Shah Namah (The History of Kings). The book has been divided up, and many leaves are in American collections. The pictures are large, somber in color, and free and lively in execution, with landscape playing an important role. Small Shah Namahs have simple illustrations in yellow, red, blue, and gold.Timurid */ce5/CE051910.html* painting of the 15th century employs smaller figures and more static compositions. Chinese influences have been integrated and patterned symmetry reemerges. Bihzad, the greatest painter in this style, is renowned for his fine, firm line and exquisite delicacy. The Blue Mosque at Tabriz, named for its brilliant faience casing, is contemporary. Mosaic faience-covered architecture reached its height in 16th-century Isfahan in the great building complex Maidan-i Shah.The Safavid DynastyUnder the Safavid */ce5/CE045312.html* dynasty (1499-1722) palaces were decorated with mural paintings, which have been heavily restored. Single-figure portraits and ink drawings were also made for the Safavids. In book illustrations, figures became sinuous, color and pattern ran riot, and, at best, the effect was that of ornate jewelry. ...
