• Acta Via Serica
• /
• v.6 no.2
• /
• pp.21-36
• /
• 2021

This paper discusses textile motifs depicted in the hunting panels inside the late Sasanian larger grotto at Taq-i Bustan. Scholars of Iranian art have referred to these rock reliefs in order to trace the origin of Sasanian textile decorations and their exportation in the whole medieval Eurasian continent. This however does not seem to be the case. In fact, the textile motifs reproduced at Taq-i Bustan could be a good term of comparison only for late Sasanian textile production. Moreover, nothing like this has appeared in previous Sasanian rock reliefs. For this reason, the present paper argues that some of those motifs could actually be importations from Central Asia where reproductions of textiles embellished with those motifs were very popular. Islamic written sources on Taq-i Bustan rock reliefs could be very useful to support some ideas expressed in this paper.

• Acta Via Serica
• /
• v.6 no.2
• /
• pp.1-20
• /
• 2021

The Taq-i Bustan reliefs are representative works from the Sassanian dynasty of the 4th to 7th centuries. This study analyzes the costumes depicted in the Taq-i Bustan reliefs to gain understanding of the phenomena of cultural exchange between the East and West by observing the foreign cultural elements appearing in the Sassanian costumes of that time. Literature study and artifacts analysis were conducted in parallel. External elements appearing in Taq-i Bustan's costume were Greek-Roman and Central Asian. The tunics and trousers of the gods and the trousers of kings (Ardashir II, Shapur II and Shapur III) were made of thin fabric and showed many wrinkles, a characteristic of Greek and Roman clothing. On the spandrel above the arch of the great grotto of Khusrau II are depicted the goddesses of Victory, in a Greco-Bactrian style. Among the costume elements of Taq-i Bustan, there were also Central Asian elements observed. One Central Asian costume element was the round clasp ornament for tying the trousers. The side slits and hem of the tunic were presented in the style of the Sogd clothing of Central Asia in the 6th and 7th centuries, while the pearl rounded pattern was activated in Sogd, Kucha and Kizyl in the 7th and 8th centuries. These reliefs are considered important evidence of eastern influences in Sassanian culture.

• Journal of the Korea Fashion and Costume Design Association
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.61-82
• /
• 2023

This is a study about the patterns depicted on the reliefs at Taq-i Bustan built during the Sasanian Dynasty of Persia. This study aims to understand the costume culture of the Sassanian Dynasty by analyzing the patterns depicted on the reliefs at Taq-i Bustan. As a research method, a literature survey and a comparative analysis of empirical data collected through historical site exploration was synthesized. The results of this study are as follows: Patterns appearing on the reliefs at Taq-i Bustan include pearl patterns, flower patterns, and animal patterns such as ducks, boars, and simurghs. The themes of these patterns appear differently depending on the social status, so it is assumed that the patterns were used as a means of symbolizing social status in the Sasanian Dynasty. The pearl pattern was a typical pattern that appeared in royal iconography, and the flower pattern appeared in multiple variations, and was a pattern commonly observed in the kings and his servants. Among the animal patterns, the Simurgh(Semurv) pattern is a representative pattern, which symbolizes the fertility and fecundity of the earth and this pattern was observed only on the clothes of kings. Therefore, the Simurgh(Semurv) pattern was understood as a pattern symbolizing the king's wish for the well-being of nature and the people. The patterns of other animals were mainly observed on the king's servants. Through the analysis of the patterns depicted on the reliefs at Taq-i Bustan, the life and the social aspects of the Sassanian Dynasty could be examined.

• Journal of Fashion Business
• /
• v.27 no.2
• /
• pp.1-25
• /
• 2023

Taq-i Bustan rock reliefs are relatively well preserved among Sassanid relics. They are considered concrete and empirically important materials for studying Sassanian culture. In these rock reliefs, inauguration of various kings and hunting scenes are depicted. Thus, kings' attire and life of the court could be discerned according to eras. The purpose of this study was to investigate Sassanian clothing styles of various social positions by analyzing their clothing depicted in rock reliefs and to improve comprehension of the culture of the Sassanian Dynasty. Methodically, literature studies and artifacts were analyzed in parallel. Data of these two insources were consolidated for comparison. Results of this study are as follows. Since the Sassanian Dynasty succeeded the Parthian Dynasty, the Parthian style of clothing pieces such as tunic and trousers appeared in their attire. Basic types of tunics and trousers did not vary according to social status or age. However, details showed differences in those aspects. In the early Sassanian Dynasty, the dressing style of Rome was adopted. Styles of tunic and trousers featured draperies with many wrinkles and shoes were worn instead of boots. Trousers were tied with laces at ankles and laces were decorated with round clasps, imitating the style used by Kushan kings to the east of Sasanians. External cultural elements were also present in costumes of the Sassanian Dynasty, which played a bridging role for cultural exchanges between Eastern and Western civilizations at the gateway of the Silk Road.