The study and evaluation of teahouse painting as religious art

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Center for the Management oM.A. Graduate in Philosophy of Art – University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iranf Islamic Seminaries

2 Department of Islamic Philosophy and Theology, University of Qom, Qom, Iran

10.22081/pwq.2025.71907.1237

Abstract

Coffeehouse painting represents an authentic and sincere manifestation of Iran’s anonymous popular art, shaped by cultural, religious, and traditional values within the socio-political context of the Qajar era. The emergence of this artistic genre dates back to the late Zand period and the early Qajar dynasty, drawing upon social foundations, religious and national literature, and the long-standing tradition of Persian painting.



Characterized by its distinctive features, this style predominantly portrays epic and religious themes, with a strong and influential presence of religion in its content. The prominence of religious motifs in this art form has made it a fertile ground for theoretical reflections on the relationship between art and religion. Consequently, the analysis of criteria for identifying the religious nature of artworks—such as coffeehouse painting—has gained significance, particularly given the diverse perspectives of traditionalist thinkers and mystics, each of whom has proposed different standards for defining religious art.



The overlap of these criteria and the absence of a comprehensive evaluative framework highlight the necessity of further inquiry into this matter. This study begins by defining key concepts including art, religion, and coffeehouse painting, and then adopts a descriptive-analytical approach to examine the structure and content of this artistic form. Ultimately, by reviewing and analyzing the views of mystics and traditionalists, the research explores both the possibility and the nature of religious identity in coffeehouse painting.

Keywords

Theosophia Practica

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 03 August 2025

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