The Influence of Sassanid Ribbons on Islamic Art from the Beginning to the End of Seljuk Era

The Sassanid ribbons, as one of the most important features for the recognition of art in that era, are seen abundantly on bas-reliefs, clothes and silver bowls. We can see some samples of these ribbons in the early Islamic period. The purpose of this research is to identify such ribbons and their influence on Islamic art. According to this purpose, the following questions are raised: What are the main features of the Sassanid ribbons? Have the Islamic ribbons used on the paintings, textiles and silver vessels been taken from Sassanid samples? In which Islamic periods have these ribbons been more prominent? This research tries to prove the influences of Sassanid ribbons on Islamic art by collecting information from libraries and documents and using the analytical-comparative method which compares the application, function and features of Sassanid ribbons with Islamic ones. To achieve this goal, some mentioned ribbons were presented and a comparative analysis was done between the patterns with ribbons related to Sassanid period and the ones related to the early centuries of Islam and the impact of Sassanid ribbons on Islamic art with nearly equal characteristics was investigated. Thus, features such as “raging and spread from beginning to the end” are used exactly in the Islamic period, and in the feature “royal peculiar being” only the concept of king has changed to the caliph or emir. Any way, sanctity and special position of these ribbons have been preserved. By showing the reasons of these influences, the condition of entrance of Sassanid ribbons into Islamic world is explained. Such adoption can be observed in different artistic fields from the beginning of Islamic period up to the late Seljuk period. However, the role of Umayyads, Abbasids, Samanids and Al-e Buyeis is more significant in these influences.