Genealogy of the Calligraphic Designs in the Saqqakhaneh Movement

Problem Definition: 

Although more than half a century has passed since the emergence of the Saqqakhaneh movement in Iranian modern art, it is still a subject of debate and disagreement as a symbol of modernism. Saqqakhaneh artists have drawn on ritualistic patterns, folk art symbols, and the artistic heritage of the past, particularly the visual elements of traditional Iranian calligraphy and formalistic aspects of the alphabet. This research focuses on the historical analysis, evolution, and visual language of works influenced by the calligraphy of Saqqakhaneh artists.

  The present study aims to conduct a comparative study of the artworks of prominent Saqqakhaneh artists influenced by traditional calligraphy and ancient works in a historical context (from the Qajar period to the mid-1950s) in terms of style, execution method, and attention to the visual values of the script.

 An analytical-historical method has been employed to achieve the desired results. Data collection, images, and documents, as well as the verification of the authenticity of Saqqakhaneh artists' works and ancient works, have been conducted by referring to sources such as museums, private collections, and several official websites. The statistical population of the study includes calligraphers from the Qajar period and Saqqakhaneh artists in visual arts.

  Some prominent artists and leaders of the Saqqakhaneh movement have created works inspired by traditional calligraphy and the script writing method (specifically calligraphic pieces from the Qajar era). This process, conducted with a formalistic approach and in contrast to the traditional mission of calligraphy, exhibits prominent features of abstraction in these works. The works of this group of artists, while possessing an independent identity, are considered an extension of the experiences of calligraphers during the Qajar era. The transition from tradition to modernity in the process of creating calligraphic designs in the Saqqakhaneh movement is a significant transformation in the history of Iranian modern art.