The Issue of Zoomorphic Ornaments in the History of Studies of Gunch (Stucco) Carving in 9th to 12th Century Central Asia

摘要

The article examines the issue of what is termed "hidden" zoomorphic images in the architectural ornament of early Islamic Central Asia. For many years, zoomorphic motifs were considered intentionally concealed in floral ornament in order to circumvent the Islamic prohibition of depicting living creatures. The author examines carved stucco (gunch) as a very informative and representative source of early Islamic architectural ornament. The study uses the comparative historic method to describe and classify the "hidden" zoomorphisms and cites analogues; also analysed are mediaeval theologians' opinions on the content of the canonic prohibition. The author makes the following conclusions: although ornamentation grew in significance in the 9th to 12th century, the tradition of quite realistic depiction of animals continued and retained a significance of its own. "Encrypted" zoomoprphisms can rather be considered ultimately stylized floral motifs. The author suggests tracing their development paths from realistic to most abstract floral forms.