A Look at the Pottery Style of Abu Zayd Kashani

The Islamic Middle Ages represented the flourishing period of various arts, including pottery, during whichthe increased artistic freedom gave rise to ingenious artistic and literary creations. Geographical and politicalsituation in Kashan caused its local pottery to develop into a trans-regional industry. Despite the similarity betweenthe themes used by the local workshops, differences are also evident. For precise identification of styles usedin individual workshops, it is necessary to identify the styles specific to individual workshops and potters. AbuZayd is the most common signature found on the Kashan pottery style. His aspiration to perpetuate his name onhis works suggests that he was the leading figure in the advent and later advance of the style. The findings ofthis research show that a large number of works produced during and after Abu Zayd’s lifetime closely resemblehis own creations. He worked in the Kashan style, and his techniques were retained in other workshops after hisdemise. Potters have bequeathed valuable works that were modeled after Abu Zayd’s style. The study of AbuZayd’s works reveals that while they share wide similarities with those of his fellows, a part from his signature hehad employed his own peculiar designs and motifs. There are cases of single designs in which the main patternswere worked by Abu Zayd and the details were left for other hand(s). Such collaboration as well as mentoring werethe main reasons behind the dissemination of his style.