New Findings in Explaining the Artistic Features of Wood Carving in the Timurid Style

Introduction: Following the turmoil of the late 8th century A.H., Iran experienced relative peace due to the efforts of Shahrukh Mirza and his successors. Since the Timurids' efforts were focused on the prosperity and flourishing of the country, they tried to elevate all aspects, including practical and theoretical arts. In this context, architectural and decorative arts, including wood carving, followed a path where prominent features can be observed. This study aims to elucidate the Timurid wood carving art in Transoxiana, Khorasan, Tabaristan, and the central Iranian desert. Therefore, it seeks to answer the following question: «What are the characteristics of wood carving art in the 9th and early 10th centuries A.H. in the Timurid Iran?»Research Method: The present study is fundamental in its objective and has a descriptive, analytical, and historical nature in terms of its methodology. The study population consists of wooden artifacts from the 9th and early 10th centuries A.H. in Iran. The sampling method included all accessible remaining works from the 9th century in Iran, comprising twenty doors, twelve grave boxes, and three pulpits (Minbar), totaling thirty-five historical artifacts, which were mainly collected through fieldwork. The analysis of the works is based on the formal and technical characteristics of the woodcarving from that historical period.Findings: The forms of Toranj, Sineh-Baz, and geometric girih, fish scale motifs, three-part two-lobed flowers, sunflowers and windmills, sprawling plant branches, the combination of arabesque and khatai in the inscription and plant garland, coniferous heart flowers, and tulips on the margins of Timurid wooden works are among the prominent motifs. Additionally, emphasis on the numbers six, eight, ten, twelve, and sixteen was observed in various sections, all of which were executed using the concave method of paving.Conclusion: The Timurid wood carving can be considered the golden point of Iranian wood carving in terms of design and the method of crafting and polishing wooden works.