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Chehel Sotoun

Pavilion in Isfahan, Iran From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Chehel Sotoun (Persian: چهل‌ستون, lit.'Forty Columns') is a Persian pavilion in the middle of a park at the far end of a long pool, in Isfahan, Iran, built by Shah Abbas II to be used for his entertainment and receptions. In this palace, Shah Abbas II and his successors would receive dignitaries and ambassadors, either on the terrace or in one of the stately reception halls.

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The name, meaning "Forty Columns" in Persian, was inspired by the twenty slender wooden columns supporting the entrance pavilion, which, when reflected in the waters of the fountain, is said to appear to be forty.[1]

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Early paintings (1647-1666)

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As with the Ali Qapu, the palace contains many frescoes and paintings on ceramic. Many of the ceramic panels have been dispersed and are now in the possession of major museums in the West. Four of the major frescoes are thought to have been painted circa 1650, and in any case between 1647 (date of the construction of the Chehel Sotoun) and 1666, based on stylistic grounds, and on the fact that Jean Chardin described the specific paintings as "three royal entertainments and one battle scene" during his visit in 1666.[2][3] They were commissioned by the Safavid ruler Abbas II. They are:[4]

Chehel Sotoun's wall paintings of Safavid historical scenes (painted circa 1650)
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Later paintings

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Ceiling artworks and wall paintings

There are also more recent paintings, generally dating to Qajar period, such as the infamous Battle of Chaldiran against the Ottoman Sultan Selim I, and Nader Shah's victory against the Indian Army at Karnal in 1739. There are also less historical, but more aesthetic compositions in the traditional miniature style, themed around life, love, and joy.[5]

The Chehel Sotoun Palace is among the 9 Iranian gardens which are collectively registered as one of Iran's 23 registered World Heritage Sites under the name of the Persian Gardens.[6]

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Architecture

In the pavilion, the combined designs of the walls and ceiling of the hall, which are placed in Lachak Toranj (corner and medallion), and the main lines of the building divisions, which are a combination of painting, tiling and other various decorations, make the building one of the best examples of Persian architecture during the Safavid era. At present, the mansion operates as a museum; and its central hall displays some works of art from different periods of Iran.[7]

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Notes

Bibliography

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