Parviz Tanavoli
Bird, 1967
Glazed earthenware and copper, unique
14 x 16 x 8 cm
5 1/2 x 6 1/4 x 3 1/8 in
5 1/2 x 6 1/4 x 3 1/8 in
Further images
Much of Parviz Tanavoli’s visual inspiration comes from Persian culture, the reality, myth and legend. The country’s rich poetic heritage, textile traditions and architecture, all feed into his sculptural works....
Much of Parviz Tanavoli’s visual inspiration comes from Persian culture, the reality, myth and legend. The country’s rich poetic heritage, textile traditions and architecture, all feed into his sculptural works. As part of the Saqqakhaneh School of artists, he was part of the vanguard bringing modernism to Iran and creating an indigenous form of contemporary art. Common themes in Tanavoli’s work include poets, prophets, locks, lions, lovers, cages and birds.
Tanavoli has worked with ceramics since the early 1960s. His characteristic themes employed in a range of works, with typical referencing to ancient Persian stories and traditions.
“Since my youth I’ve been attracted to ceramics. At the time ceramics were everywhere. Some were tiles and adorned the exteriors of shrines and mosques as well as the entrances of some of the bazaar.
“I had my own workshop in 1965 in the Zarrab-Khaneh (north-east Tehran), in addition to the bronze foundry I built a ceramic kiln. Though my main objective was bronze, from time to time I switched to ceramics. My approach with ceramics was never continuous, but rather for short periods, like an intermezzo between bronze works.
“Working with clay has always been joyful for me. Opening the kilns and seeing those colours on my sculptures has always fascinated me. It has never fatigued me, but, on the contrary, has brought me strength and peace.”
Tanavoli has worked with ceramics since the early 1960s. His characteristic themes employed in a range of works, with typical referencing to ancient Persian stories and traditions.
“Since my youth I’ve been attracted to ceramics. At the time ceramics were everywhere. Some were tiles and adorned the exteriors of shrines and mosques as well as the entrances of some of the bazaar.
“I had my own workshop in 1965 in the Zarrab-Khaneh (north-east Tehran), in addition to the bronze foundry I built a ceramic kiln. Though my main objective was bronze, from time to time I switched to ceramics. My approach with ceramics was never continuous, but rather for short periods, like an intermezzo between bronze works.
“Working with clay has always been joyful for me. Opening the kilns and seeing those colours on my sculptures has always fascinated me. It has never fatigued me, but, on the contrary, has brought me strength and peace.”
Provenance
Mr and Mrs Mahmoud Mostofi, Tehran;
Private UK collection