Journal of Art and Civilization of the Orient

Analysis of the Decorative Features of Zuleikha’s Mansion and Its Architect Based on Jami’s Epic of Yusuf and Zuleikha

https://doi.org/10.22034/jaco.2025.490648.1433
Volume 13, Issue 48
Summer 2025
Pages 16-25
Journal of Art and Civilization of the Orient

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Javad Aghajani Keshteli 1
Somayeh Omidvari 2

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Art Studies, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Science and Arts University, Yazd.

2 Associate Professor , Department of Architecture, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Science and Arts University, Yazd.

Abstract
In classical Persian prose and poetic texts, there are occasional references to discussions on art and aesthetics. Some of the descriptions in these sources can familiarize the audience with the principles and criteria of beauty and the foundations of Iranian art. In the descriptions of certain poets regarding buildings and architectural works, the principles and fundamentals of ornamentation and decoration in architecture are also distinctly evident. An example of such a poet is Jami, who, in his poem “Yusuf and Zuleikha”, describes the mansion built by Zuleikha and her nanny and its commission to a skilled architect. This article aims to examine the features and descriptions of this mansion as portrayed by the poet, addressing the question: “What are the decorative features of Zuleikha’s mansion based on Jami’s Yusuf and Zuleikha? The research employed descriptive-analytical. Data collection was conducted through library research, with note-taking as the primary tool. The study examined literary works related to Jami’s Yusuf and Zuleikha via a libray-based approach and the sampling method was purposeful. Data analysis is carried out using “qualitative content analysis. The findings indicate that the mansion was built to arouse Yusuf’s desire for union with Zuleikha. Therefore, the predominant form of decoration consists of paintings and miniature illustrations depicting their embrace. Alongside paintings, animal and plant motifs, as well as bird figures, were crafted using gold, silver, and precious stones. The polishing of the walls, ceiling, corridors, and seven interconnected chambers was intended to reflect images and attract Yusuf. The use of luxurious materials gave the mansion the grandeur of a magnificent palace.

Keywords

Zuleikha’s mansion
architectural decoration
Yusuf and Zuleikha
Jami
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