The Formation of Saz Style Ornaments: From Taihu-Rocks to Saz Leaf Ornaments

• Published in: Bulletin of the Society for Near Eastern Studies in Japan Vol. 43; no. 1; pp. 71 - 88
• Main Author: MIZUNO, Minako YAMANLAR
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: The Society for Near Eastern Studies in Japan 2000
• ISSN: 0030-5219; 1884-1406
• DOI: 10.5356/jorient.43.71

Saz style ornaments are known as the motifs which are formed by curvy, long, notched leaves. And the ornaments are attributed to the creation of Sah Kulu who was the Ottoman palace painter in the 16th century. Therefore Saz style ornaments have been caused for discussions in the Sah Kulu studies. Although the source and origin of the ornaments have been not studied yet. The article is aimed to present that the source of these motifs are originated from the Taihu-rocks. The Taihu-rocks which are produced in Taihu Lake in China, are very famous and popular rocks in China from ancient times and one of the favorite motifs as a happiness symbol in Chinese arts. The rocks had been introduced to Islamic World by Chinese paintings and ceramics for the first time in the Ilkhanids. The progressive forms presented from Taihu-rock motifs to Saz style ornaments are explained as the following steps; 1) The first step: The realistic forms of Taihu-rocks with ‘Ling zhi’, lucky mushrooms or clouds in the forest scenes. 2) The second step: Stylized Taihu-rock motifs. Plant or dragon motifs are made passing through the wholes of the Taihu-rocks. 3) The third step: Taihu-rocks transformed into the lotus leaves. 4) The fourth step: The formation of Saz style ornaments. It is said according to the formation of Saz style ornaments that the transformation in which rocks change into leaves, played very important role as a method for ornamentation.