A visual and technical study on tiles of dadoes in cellars of Qajar houses in Tehran

Tile is one of the most important decorative materials related to architecture that since ancient times has always been used. During the Qajar dynasty, many variations in the technique of making and designing tiles can be traced. Panel tiles are a type of large and prominent tiles that became common in this period. The unique patterns and pictures of these tiles reflect the social developments of that time. In this regard, the tiles of houses (aristocratic mansions) in Tehran were selected as a sample due to their uniqueness. The aim of this research is to study on visual and technical aspects of tiles of dadoes in cellars of Qajar houses in Tehran (houses of Ghavam O-Dowleh, Alam O-Saltaneh, Mushir O-Dowleh, Fazel Iraqi, Ghavam O-Saltaneh and Teymurtash). Hence the identification of tiles’ techniques; motifs and, themes are considered. This article seeks to answer the question: What are the features of creation techniques and pictorial themes in tiles of dado in cellars of Qajar houses in Tehran?This article seeks to answer the question: What are the features of creation techniques and pictorial themes in tiles of dado in cellars of Qajar houses in Tehran? The research method is descriptive-analytical and data collection is based on library studies, especially field studies (viewing samples and photographing them). Findings show the most important factors affecting the main patterns and themes of tiles are: Creative influence and integration of European culture, art and technological innovations (painting different landscapes as a photograph and using symbolic European scenes); ancient nationalism (the effect of Name-ye Khosrowan book; reliefs of ancient Iran); And rarely Islamic arts (Eslimi and Gol-o-morgh); those have been sometimes associated with the ability of painters in symbolism, innovation and composition (creating symbolic expressions with animals and the image of Qajar kings and politicians). All of the pictures are created in underglaze painting with black hatch and limited colors on molded tiles covered with white slip.