Position of Water in Ibrahim Mirza's Haft Awrang Miniatures Version

Given the position of water and its symbolic function in ancient beliefs and Islamic sources, the paper aims to explore and analyze the visual effects of the invaluable element in Haft Awrang miniatures by Ibrahim Mirza. In addition to the study of conceptual aspect of water in this set, the existence of diverse layouts in the display of different forms of water provides suitable foundation for conducting a formal study into it. The aim of the paper is to recognize different layouts of water and explore the reasons for the diversity, as well as the conceptual function of water in these works; furthermore, it aims to illustrate how the diversity could made a difference to the suitable structure and composition and also better understanding of Jami's lyrics. The results of the research, which was conducted in a descriptive-analytical method, indicate that patient artist used certain forms in depicting water based on theme and place of story in order to get across meaning and concept under consideration better and establish a better match between form and content of work, since Haft Awrang paintings substantially depend on the literary text of Haft Awrang. Diversity of water effects in a variety of miniatures at times benefits the general structure of the miniature and works as an influential factor in matching various elements of it; in some instances, how it is positioned and the choice of a good and purposeful position for it in the miniature board could assist artist in communicating meaning and concept.