Cosmic Symbols in Iranian Visual Arts: The Sun, the Star, and the Tree of Life

Abstract Cosmic symbolism has long shaped the visual and spiritual imagination of Iranian civilization. Among the most enduring motifs are the Sun, the Star, and the Tree of Life, each embodying cosmological, theological, and aesthetic dimensions that traverse Zoroastrian, Islamic, and mystical traditions. Scholars emphasize that these motifs are not merely decorative but function as vehicles of civilizational memory, ethical orientation, and holistic cosmology (Boyce, 1982; Corbin, 1977; Schimmel, 1975; Kiani, 1995). Comparative studies further reveal parallels with Mesopotamian sacred trees, Indian solar deities, and Christian iconography, situating Iranian symbols within a universal archetypal framework (Deloria, 1994; Tu, 2001; Ramose, 1999). This study investigates the historical evolution, iconographic variations, and philosophical meanings of these symbols within Iranian visual arts, from ancient reliefs and manuscripts to contemporary artistic expressions. By situating these motifs within comparative cosmologies and cross-cultural frameworks, the article demonstrates how Iranian art mediates between metaphysical thought and material representation. The research employs a multidisciplinary methodology, integrating art history, comparative philosophy, and semiotic analysis, to reveal the continuity and transformation of cosmic symbols across epochs. Ultimately, the study argues that these motifs articulate a holistic vision of existence, where art serves as a mirror of cosmic truth and a foundation for civilizational renewal (Nasr, 1989; Norberg-Schulz, 1980; Ricoeur, 1991; Moossavi, 2025).