Stucco decoration is one of the exquisite arts, extensively used throughout the history of Iranian architecture. The history of using stucco in Iranian art dates back to ancient times, reaching its peak during the Ilkhanid period. Due to its ease of use and abundance in Iran, stucco was widely utilised for embellishing walls, ceilings, columns, and windows, often in polychrome or monochrome, embossed, and decorated forms. The diversity and types of stucco art in Iran are such that within a single historical structure, and even within a single historical period, various techniques and styles of stucco work can be observed. This diversity makes the categorization and identification of numerous examples of this art quite challenging. Throughout history, efforts have been made to introduce and categorise these decorations based on shaping techniques or the degree of relief and contrast in surface decorations. However, due to the extensive variety of this art across different historical periods in Iran, from the Elamite to the Pahlavi period, a clear classification has not yet been established.
This study aims to categorise stucco decorations based on shaping techniques and relief levels, considering the diversity of techniques, materials, and methods used in creating these decorations. It was conducted using desk-based studies, field investigations, and interviews with two traditional Iranian senior craftsmen. Ultimately, nine distinct categories were introduced for historical stucco art in Iran. In the second part of the research, two prominent and subtle stucco techniques were selected for technical evaluation, examining their shaping methods. As a result, 33 examples of high-relief stucco art and 23 examples of low-relief stucco art were evaluated and studied. The results of these field studies revealed the construction methods and materials used, introduced existing samples, and showcased their diversity. Additionally, through field studies and interviews with two senior craftsmen in traditional stucco art, the hidden aspects of these two historical stucco techniques of Iran and the shaping methods and materials used were identified and categorised.
