"Camel bells hear each other, boats look at each other." More than 2,000 years ago, Chinese caravans traveled westward through the Western Regions, passing through Central Asia and Persia to Europe. This trade route gradually evolved into the thousand-year-old Silk Road, which reflected the wisdom of the people of ancient China and the countries along the route. The land and maritime Silk Roads, which stretch for thousands of kilometers, write the fusion of civilizations and glorious legends. Now, under the "Belt and Road" initiative launched by China, the ancient Silk Road has regained its glory: the "Tiankun" set sail, Egypt's new landmark "Pyramid Miracle" was rewritten, Saudi New City dreamed of the future, and new energy helped the energy transformation of desert countries. The extraordinary decade of the "Belt and Road" has witnessed the interconnection between China and Middle Eastern countries, and the chapter of civilization will continue to be written at this moment.
Iran chapter
"Right of Yiwu, east of Persia, merchants and travelers have been paid endless tribute", this record in the "Collection of Tang Great Edicts" vividly depicts the prosperity of China, Iran and other countries along the Silk Road during the Tang Dynasty.
△ Iranian cultural city Isfahan
On this trade route connecting Europe and Asia, Persia was an important transit point. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Persian dynasty devoted its power to the center of its territory, creating Isfahan, the most prosperous city in the Middle East at that time. At this point, Eastern and Western civilizations blended with each other here.
This is Isfahan Imam Square, built in the 17th century, surrounded by the thriving Grand Bazaar, which has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. Vaulted domes, yellow brick walls, and roads lined with Iranian handicrafts. Walking here, we feel as if we are on a journey through time. Among these works of art, the most attractive are Persian miniatures.
Birds come to life, caravans on the Silk Road, and intricate traditional motifs, and the exquisite paintings that come into view are miniature paintings. As a treasure of Persian civilization, miniature painting absorbs traditional Chinese painting styles and integrates Persian and Chinese art.
To see the miniature painting process up close, we went to the Kagari studio in Isfahan.
Li Jiannan: Before learning miniature painting, do they need to learn Chinese painting skills?
Professor Jalili Jukar, Isfahan University of Arts, Iran: Yes. Any artist can start with Iranian art, but it is necessary to understand other arts that have influenced Iranian art, such as learning Chinese culture and Chinese painting. It can broaden people's perception and depth of understanding of art.
Li Jiannan, reporter of the main station: How do you evaluate this miniature painting?
Professor Jaliri Jukar, Isfahan University of Arts, Iran: This is a miniature painting of flowers and birds, which has a 500-year history in Iran, and its art presents a combination of Chinese and Iranian culture. This type of painting exists in both Chinese and Iranian cultures, and symbolizes love and beauty in both cultures. The thousand-year-old friendship and blending of Chinese and Iranian cultures is very precious and beautiful.
The most important thing in drawing miniature paintings is concentration and patience, and the seemingly flowing lines are all "points" by the artist. Therefore, a qualified miniature painting takes the painter weeks or even months to complete.
Originally, miniature paintings were used as illustrations and covers for books, mostly portraits or landscapes. After the 13th century, influenced by Chinese painting, Persian painters began to integrate Chinese elements into their creations, whether it was the appearance of the characters or the clothing and clothing had obvious oriental characteristics. The depiction of the Silk Road has also become a more common theme in miniature painting.
The inheritance and integration of civilizations does not stop there. In many parts of Iran, we have found traces of Chinese culture. "The white glaze blue flowers are fired, and the flowers are clear from the glaze". In many museums in Iran, there are still thousands of pieces of blue and white porcelain from China, which are regarded as precious collections by future generations.
Jaliri Jukar, professor at Isfahan University of Arts, Iran: Although we can't know where the green material in the original Chinese blue and white porcelain came from, one of the theories is that it came to Chinese mainland from Persia through Xinjiang and Tibet. At the same time, porcelain production and design patterns were also introduced to Iran from the Silk Road.
During the Western Han Dynasty, Zhang Qian's deputy envoy visited Iran; During the Tang and Song dynasties, Iranians went to China to study and do business; In the 13th century, the famous Iranian poet Sadi recorded his unforgettable travels in China; In the 15th century, Zheng He led his fleet three times to the Persian Gulf region of southern Iran. Throughout the ages, exchanges between China and Iran have left a strong mark in each other's history.
In ancient Persian texts, China in the far east is called "Chin", and this word has been used to this day. Walking the streets of Iran, we are often greeted by enthusiastic people who say "hello Chin", and the enthusiasm has remained the same for thousands of years.
"The friendship between countries lies in the affinity of the people, and the affinity of the people lies in the common heart." Today, Iran has set off a Chinese learning boom, and from 2024, Iran will add Chinese courses at the secondary education level; Chinese Film Week is crowded, and the hit TV series are widely acclaimed; In Iran, more than 200,000 people have learned Chinese martial arts. With the signing of the comprehensive cooperation plan between the two countries, the two ancient civilizations of China and Iran will continue their friendship and create a better future.