The Large Vault at Taq-i Bustan: A Study in Late Sasanian Royal Art

In this study, Movassat (art history, School of Art and Design and San Jose State U.) reports the results of her investigation into the original date and purpose of the large vault at Taq-i Bustan in Iran. The vault is documented in Persian and Muslim sources after the fall of the Sasanian dynasty and was first noticed by Western travelers in the early 17th century. Movassat reviews previous interpretations before unfolding her argument that the vault served many separate, complementary purposes: an expression of victory, an expression of the three aspects of the king, a focus for religious festivals, a monument on a royal hunting preserve, and a royal viewing stand. The text includes 40 photographs of the vault as well as notes on the reign of Khusro II and a description of early travelers at Taq-i Bustan. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR