An Analytical Study of Theriomorphism in Human and Animal Figures of Ilkhanid and Safavid Manuscript Illustrations

Asna Ashari, Shima; Sharif  Zadeh, Mohammad Reza; Mokhtabad Amrei, Seyed Mostafa; Ardalani, Hossein

doi:10.30465/lir.2025.52779.2051

An Analytical Study of Theriomorphism in Human and Animal Figures of Ilkhanid and Safavid Manuscript Illustrations

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Shima Asna Ashari ¹

Mohammad Reza Sharif Zadeh ²

Seyed Mostafa Mokhtabad Amrei ³

Hossein Ardalani ⁴

¹ Ph.D. Student, Department Of Art Research, Faculty Of Arts,C T.C, Islamic AzadUniversity, Tehran, Iran

² Full Professor, Department Of Art Research, Faculty Of Arts,C T.C, IslamicAzad University, Tehran, Iran. (Responsible author)

³ Full Professor Of Art Faculty, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran.Iran.

⁴ Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy of Art, Ha. C., Islamic Azad University,Hamedan,iran

10.30465/lir.2025.52779.2051

Abstract

Iranian painting, in different periods, has been influenced by Persian literature, relying on the power of imagination, and has been transmitting narratives and moral themes.
The topic of this research is related to the painting of Ilkhanid and Safavid periods.
In the painting of this tow histori period, it is observed that various techniques such as animism and characterization have been used, which often try to depict imaginary and transformed creatures that originate from a folkloric component in anthropology called theromorphism, which is a combination of the body and spirits of animals and humans mixed together with a special and legendary force.
Objective: To show the presence and function of the theromorphism component in two faces - human and animal - in the painting of the Ilkhanid and Safavid periods in Iran. Statement of the problem: On what basis and according to which definitions does the use of the theomorphic component create a two-level distinction between humans and animals? Research method: Descriptive-analytical.
The collection of materials is based on library studies, articles, and documentary research methods. This study analyzes the methodological and content of Iranian painting works to examine the role and application of the theromorphic component in the creation of human and animal images. Findings: It seems that the author of the text or the painter was aware of the functional role of theomorphism by that time and used it to pursue two goals with moral and psychological dimensions.

Keywords

Painting Ilkhanid

Painting Safavid

Imaginary physicalism

Theriomorphism

Anthrozoomorphism

Subjects

Literary interdisciplinary research

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