Publication Details:

Caucasus Heritage and Identity Studies (CHIS) is an international, peer-reviewed open-access journal devoted to the historical, cultural, linguistic, religious, and social heritage of the Caucasus and the adjacent regions from antiquity to the present day

Journal or Publication Title:

Caucasus Heritage and Identity Studies: International Journal of the History, Culture, and Civilization of the Caucasus

Date of publication:

2026-

Volume:

1

Number:

1

ISSN:

3045-3291 ; e3045-3232

Official URL:

Corporate Creators:

International Association for Caucasus Heritage and Identity Studies

Contributor(s):

Editor-in-Chief: Gor Margaryan

Coverage:

41-64

Abstract:

This study examines a set of four silver pitchers held in the 'Precious Metal' fund of the Museum of Armenian Ethnography, donated by the Armenian communities of New Julfa and Tehran to the Folk Song-and-Dance Ensemble of the Armenian Philharmonia. The vessels are high-value decorative specimens of traditional Iranian silversmithing and of the ghalam zani (artistic chasing and engraving) school, and they are analysed here from structural, iconographic and historico-cultural perspectives. The article applies iconographic analysis and a comparative methodology to interpret the ornamentation of the vessels. The art-historical and aesthetic analysis reveals a complete synthesis of the two principal currents of classical Iranian culture: on the one hand the epic-narrative episodes, and on the other the lyrical-philosophical imagery. The museological value of the objects, however, extends beyond a purely art-historical inquiry. Having lived in Iran for centuries and deeply valued the region's high crafts, the Armenians of New Julfa acted as preservers, patrons and bridging agents of the cultural values of two peoples. Presenting such distinguished specimens of classical Iranian art to the artists of the homeland not only symbolised the unbroken historical and spiritual bond between two ancient peoples and the community's gratitude towards its own cultural roots, but also demonstrates the role of high-value works of decorative and applied art as a powerful instrument of intercultural diplomacy—one that, through the universal language of art, further consolidates the centuries-old Armenian–Iranian inter-ethnic relationship and an enduring friendship.

Publisher:

International Association for Caucasus Heritage and Identity Studies

Format:

pdf

Identifier:

click here to follow the link ; oai:arar.sci.am:440344

Language:

en

Location of original object:

ՀՀ ԳԱԱ Հիմնարար գիտական գրադարան