Making figurines in Iran began almost with the initial steps of civilization in this ancient land. Among these, vessel figurines are distinguished artistic forms that were functional in addition to their aesthetic qualities, and were crafted in various shapes including human, animal, bird figures, and composite forms. Among these shapes, gold-faience figural vessels in the form of a rooster head are of significance due to their beautiful formal structure and precise composition. Since these figures were created only during the Ilkhanid era and are completely unique to this historical period, they hold a very special place among other figural vessels.
With the arrival of Islam in Iran and the development of gold-faience glazing, which is a brilliant glaze reflecting a golden hue, found its way onto the surface of ceramic artifacts, including vessel figurines. Subsequently, unique gold-faience vessel figurines were created, especially during the Ilkhanid era. These figurines hold a very valuable status to this day.The purpose of this study is to analyze the formal and structural characteristics of gold-faience figural vessels made in the Ilkhanid era in the shape of a rooster head. Therefore, the article attempts to answer the following questions: What formal characteristics are evident in the gold-faience figural vessels of the Ilkhanid era made in the shape of a rooster head? And what is the form and structure of the mold in these figural vessels?
To answer these questions, first the gold-faience figural vessels of the Ilkhanid era made in the shape of a rooster head are introduced, and then the form and structure and structure of the artifacts are analyzed and examined to discover their formal characteristics.