Nizami Ganjavi's classic verse engraved on a medieval pottery epigraphic monument

Abstract

The artistic and literary expressions of the classical Middle Ages-even more so in Azerbaijani epigraphy-play an important role in understanding the cultural and intellectual heritage of the region. This relation between literature and craftsmanship, especially in pottery, forms one more way to maintain literary traditions and reflect them in material culture. The medieval Azerbaijani ceramics, although having a quite opulent history, have little research that delves into how such pottery artifacts integrated literary epigraphy, particularly the works of prominent poets of the time, such as Nizami Ganjavi. The chances of finding such items are poorly documented and studied. Therefore, this study aims to examine and interpret pottery fragments that feature verses from Nizami Ganjavi. Thus, the paper tries to trace the relationship between the literary traditions and artistic craftsmanship within the medieval period through these artifacts. The pottery fragments, with Persian engravings, are among the finest examples of epigraphic art in the classical Middle Ages. Examples in this regard show the meeting of literary and artistic traditions in which the verse used characterizes the sophistication of both medieval Azerbaijan ceramics and the influence of Nizami's poetry on artistic expression. Thus, this piece of research not only develops our knowledge of the artistic and literary synthesis in medieval Azerbaijani culture but also opens new paths toward further research on how epigraphic examples in everyday objects can serve as a testimony to the cultural and intellectual exchanges of the time.

Keywords:

Epigraphy, Middle Ages, Ceramics, Pottery, Nizami Ganjavi, Verse.