Form and Geometry in Decorative Tile Work in Khayyatha Mosque, Isfahan

Abstract

Decoration has always had a pivotal role in Persian architecture. Since long time ago, for example, tile work has had a special place for most architects around the world especially Persian architects. Close examination of Persian tile work, in terms of form and geometric features, reveals the architects' mastery over this art, geometry as well as mathematics. The analyses of tile decorations and fretworks, formally and geometrically, may indicate that how the tile work accomplished structurally. One of the famous mosques in Isfahan enjoying a rich variety of tile work is Khayyatha Mosque. Examination of forms used in tile work in of the mosque revealed the geometric structures and proportions, the workforce needed and the number of tiles applied in each inscription based on specific colors. So far, little study has been carried on tile fretwork in terms of form. The present study examined, for the first time, the tile fretwork in Khayyatha Mosque. After introducing the mosque, the tile fretwork used in the mosque was studied and the patterns were analyzed mathematically. The methodology was mainly based on quantitative analyses using mathematical calculations as well as geometric drawings. The result indicated that the nature of form and geometric proportions of tile work has had a direct impact on the workforce needed and on the kinds of tiles applied. Also, the most frequently used tile works, in terms of form and pattern, were identified.