Close-up of the masterful stucco work in the mihrab of Uljaytu in the Friday mosque. -MA
The focus in this image is the vertical band of Arabic calligraphy framed on either end by a rich mixture of vegetal and Arabesque motifs. "Of particular interest is the mihrab of Uljaytu (Oljeytu), which was installed in 1310 for the Il Khanid ruler of the same name. It is found in the northwestern part of the mosque, on the exterior of the northeastern wall of the northwest iwan. Exhibiting a mastery of stuccowork of complex compositions of three-dimensional inscriptions merging with floral and geometric carvings, the whole mihrab stands as a unique element extruded from the original wall of the mosque. The mihrab is composed of an external framed arch within which is inscribed a smaller recessed framed arch, almost half in height and width. These two arches, including their frames and their "columns," which do not have a structural function, are all ornamented with carvings of inscriptions and patterns. The most external frame takes this delicate treatment to an extreme. The inscription band, as it recessed in the wall, spatially curves as if written on a convex surface; its florally-decorated and perforated background make the inscription appear to be floating in air." The stucco bears the signature of its sculptor, the renowned calligrapher Haydar.
Photograph created 1967. Photograph processed September 1967. Formerly cataloged as B.02.042. Notes written on the slide or index: Friday Mosque.
