Research on the most prominent Symbolic Plant Figures in Sassanid

In ancient times, symbolic figures and badges in addition to decorative aspects represented important issues regarding culture, art and even social structures of a state and country. In the Sassanid period, symbolic figures (patterns) also boomed with respect to the interfusion of religion and politics, so that some examples of these symbolic figures can be seen in most of the artworks remained of the Sassanid period. The stucco art during the Sassanid era was one of the most developed arts which have reached the peak of its maturity in this period compared to the preceding periods and witnessed its widespread use in various symbolic forms in Sassanid buildings and palaces. The study of symbolic plant figures of the Sassanid period is a necessity that has unfortunately not been studied independently and extensively so far. With respect to the object of study, the present research is of a fundamental type and with respect to its nature and methodology, it is a historical study. The result of this research indicates that most of the symbolic motifs (patterns) found in the Sassanid stuccos religious origin; although these figures have been depicted in form of numerous and diverse plant figures, each of them is considered as a symbol of religious beliefs. Grapes and the tree of life are among the symbols symbolize fertility, blessing, and immortality in Iran and have always been seen in the stucco works during this period; also, the lotus figures represent one of the deities in Mazdisna religion.