Morphology of Iranian Ceramic Filter Vessels Based on Vladimir Propp’s Theory

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 MSc. Student in Islamic Art, Department of Ceramics and Pottery, College of Craft Arts, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Ceramics and Pottery, College of Craft Arts, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Cultural Materials Conservation, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran.

Abstract

Ceramic filter vessels in Iran are typically unglazed containers featuring a mesh filter integrated into their necks or openings. These vessels typically date back to the late 2nd millennium BCE and were used throughout the Islamic period, particularly from the late 2nd century AH onward, coinciding with the expansion of the Abbasid Caliphate across Egypt, Iran, North Africa, and Anatolia. Their usage continued through the Seljuk, Ilkhanid, and Safavid periods. Although some studies have examined similar vessels in regions outside of Iran, the current research suggests that Iran is likely the point of origin for these artifacts. Given this significance, an independent and focused study of Iranian ceramic filter vessels is essential. Accordingly, the study addresses two key questions: (1) Based on existing evidence, to what period do the origins of ceramic filter vessels in Iran trace back? (2) What are the common types and applications of these vessels in the Iranian context? The aim of the present research is to investigate the historical development of the forms of ceramic filter vessels using Propp's morphological theory, while also identifying their functions, origins, and various typologies within Iran. Vladimir Propp’s morphological analysis theory emphasizes that studying the form and structure of artistic objects from each historical period plays a crucial role in understanding their developmental trajectories and ornamental evolution. The findings of this study identify at least seven distinct types of ceramic filter vessels in Iran, including those shaped like tubes, rhytons, glasses, pitchers, jars, incense burners, and ewers, with some examples dating back to pre-Islamic times. The bodies of these vessels are generally unglazed, although some examples feature glaze or molded decorations. These vessels were designed for filtering liquids, ritualistic use, and various practical daily applications. This study spans the late 2nd millennium BCE to the Safavid period, showing that such artifacts have been discovered in multiple regions of Iran, including Amlesh, Shush, and Kashan. After conducting a comprehensive review of library sources, reputable international museum websites, auction house databases, and in-person examinations of museum collections in Iran, the study analyzes 22 ceramic filter vessels attributed to Iran. Among them, five date to pre-Islamic periods (four from the late 2nd to early 1st millennium BCE and one possibly from the Parthian era), while 17 belong to the Islamic period. Of the Islamic examples, eight date to the 1st–4th centuries AH (early Islamic era), another eight to the 5th–7th centuries AH (Seljuk and Ilkhanid periods), and one to the 11th–12th centuries AH (Safavid period). Based on the archaeological evidence, it appears that these vessels originated in ancient Iran before their widespread production in other parts of the Islamic world. Ceramic filter vessels served not only to purify liquids but also to prevent insects and animals—such as scorpions and snakes—from contaminating stored water, thereby facilitating safer, healthier, and more regulated water consumption. In addition to their practical utility, some vessels bear Quranic inscriptions, supporting the logical argument that they were also used in ritual and ceremonial contexts.

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References

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Journal of Fine Arts: Visual Arts
Volume 30, Issue 3
September 2025
Pages 113-125

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