Synergy between Text and Image in Romantic Narrations on Seljuk Pottery

The Seljuk period shines as one of the most brilliant periods for pottery in the Islamic world, largely due to the remarkable synergy between image and literature evident on the potteries of this time. Inscriptions and motifs served as windows into the minds and hearts of the people, transforming these vessels into captivating narratives of romance. Immortal legends of Iran, enduring love stories of men and women, powerful kings, and diverse social classes all found expression on these artistic canvases. This research delves into the romantic themes intricately engraved on the Seljuk pottery, dissecting their content by theme type. It poses the key question: how do text and image intertwine in the romantic narratives portrayed on these artistic artifacts? By meticulously comparing the romantic themes with their corresponding motifs, the study aims to understand which themes held the most resonance for the Seljuk pottery decoration and uncover the inspirations behind these captivating visuals. Our examination of research samples reveals a prevalent correlation between the romantic text and its visual representation. Interestingly, pre-Islamic narratives, such as the captivating love story of Bahram and Azadeh, found the most adaptation in the depiction of Seljuk pottery motifs.