A little-known Ilkhanid stucco repertoire: The Mir Zabir mausoleum near Sirjan

This article introduces a little-known Ilkhanid monument, the Mir Zabir mausoleum in Sharifabad village some 33 km to the north-east of Sirjan. This monument has so far only been discussed by Iranian scholars and has received little attention in the West. Its structure is modest—a square structure built of cut stone and topped by a dome, but the interior of the mausoleum features an extensive carved stucco decorative programme that used to cover most of its surfaces. A monumental mihrab with unique visual features functions as its focal point. Further fragmented panels and inscription bands with specific designs cover the supporting walls and the transitional zone. The repertoire no longer retains either a craftsman's signature or a date, and the decorative programme displays unique visual features which are difficult to find comparisons with in other Ilkhanid stuccoworks. According to Salihi, Rashidniya and Taghavinejad, the stuccos of the Mir Zabir mausoleum should be considered works of the Kirmani stucco school, but this hypothesis requires a revision. This extensive stucco repertoire is in danger of deteriorating due to a lack of conservation; it was therefore thoroughly documented and this article hopes to prompt future conservation efforts to preserve it.