The Exquisite Objects of Coffers and Burial Chambers of Raḍawī Holy Shrine From Safavid to Contemporary Period

The coffers and burial chambers are recognized as a symbol of the great clergymen and notables in Muslims’ culture, which in most cases have been assumed sacred. This has caused them to be scarcely studied from historical and artistic point of view. Although the constituent parts of these symbols are well known and there is a specific procedure in their construction, at some points, other objects have been added to coffers and burial chambers, which did not belong to the main part. The purpose of this research is to identify, introduce and analyze these objects and equipment in the coffers and burial chambers of the Raḍawī Holy Shrine. In this writing, in an analytical descriptive manner and based on library and archival sources, features of the precious objects attached to the coffers and burial chambers of Imam Riḍā’s (A.S.) mausoleum as well as information about the benefactors, founders, donors, manufacturer and artists of these works presented. The most important findings of this research show that the oldest exquisite objects installed to the coffers dates back to the seventh century AH and the oldest objects attached to the holy burial chambers dates back to 12th century AH. The most frequent objects which were permanently attached to the coffers are different types of domes and the most diverse objects on steel burial chamber were installed during the reign of Safavid Shah Sultan Hussein.