Characterization of Iranian Moarraque glazes by light microscopy, SEM-EDX and voltammetry of microparticles

Glazed ceramics have been traditionally used in Iran for decorating mosques and some civil historical buildings. In particular, Moarraque glazes have been extensively used in the indoor and outdoor decoration of mosques in Iran since the middle 14th century. The pieces have a complex elaboration based on a main glazed piece corresponding to the skeleton structure of the Shah Abbasi flower, which contains a number of holes, where are placed, mosaic-like, smaller glazed pieces forming a compact and single tile. The present work describes the analytical study performed on the glazes of several pieces of Moarraque tiles from the Ali Ebn Abi Taleb Mosque (Esfahan, Iran), which date back from the 1960s. Several advanced instrumental techniques including light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy–X-ray microanalysis and voltammetry of microparticles, have been used to perform the characterization of the glazes. Results obtained suggest that the analysed pieces were made combining the traditional methodologies used by local craftsmen since the 14th century and modern techniques.