نویسنده
دانشجوی دکتری مطالعات عالی هنر دانشگاه کاشان
چکیده
کلیدواژهها
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسنده [English]
This study examines letter pouches as a component of Safavid royal correspondence. While textile containers for transmitting written communications are known from earlier periods, pre Safavid sources provide only brief references to this practice and offer little information about their form or significance. In contrast, Safavid sources, particularly the Bayāz-i Makātīb-i Ṣafavī, contain detailed descriptions of the material characteristics and courtly protocols associated with letter pouches, allowing for a clearer understanding of their role in Safavid diplomatic culture. The article analyzes forty entries in the Bayāz that mention the use or omission of letter pouches, focusing on their technical and aesthetic features. It also considers the role of textile production centers such as Kashan, a major Safavid hub for silk and velvet weaving, which helps contextualize the materials used to produce these objects. In addition, the units of measurement recorded in twenty one entries are examined and compared with nine surviving Safavid letter pouches. The study explores how the material qualities and ceremonial use of letter pouches contributed to the representation of political authority. The findings show that in the Safavid period letter pouches functioned not only as protective containers but also as important visual and ceremonial devices. Through their textiles, dimensions, sealing methods, and presentation, they communicated royal authority, the rank of recipients, and the nature of diplomatic relationships. As such, these objects formed part of a shared visual language that conveyed political meaning even before the letter itself was opened or read.
کلیدواژهها [English]
)