Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CRAFTS
Glassware
Small, translucent glass vessels dating back to the 2nd millennium BC have been found at
Choqa Zanbil (
Click here
) and by the Sassanian era Persian
shisheh alat
(glassware) had
become a sought-after luxury traded as far away as Japan. By early Islamic times, two prin-
ciple techniques were used: mould-blown to produce thicker items, and free-blown for
more delicate articles. Glassware was usually green, lapis lazuli, light blue or clear with a
tinge of yellow, and decorations were cut into the glass. The art reached its peak during the
Seljuk era when the manufacture of enamelled and gilded glassware flourished.
Under the Safavids Shiraz became an import-
ant centre of glass production, with rose-water
sprinklers, long-necked wine bottles, flower
vases and bowls particularly popular. By the
reign of Karim Khan Zand, the famous wine
from Shiraz was exported in locally crafted jugs
and bottles. See Iran's history of glassware in
Tehran's excellent Glass & Ceramics Museum (
Click here
)
.
One of the best-loved modern Iranian artists is
Sayyed Ali Akhbar Sanati, whose sculpture and
paintings are on display in the Sanati Museum of
Contemporary Art (
Click here
) in Kerman.
Lacquer Work
Some consider this the most interesting of Iran's decorative arts; it can be traced back to
early Islamic times as an independent art form. Wooden or papier-mâché objects are
painted, then a transparent sandarac-based varnish is applied in successive layers from
three to more than 20 coats. The result gives an impression of depth and provides great dur-
ability. Common designs are the popular Persian motif of the nightingale and the rose,
flowers and classic love stories. Pen boxes are the most common form of lacquer work.
Marquetry
One of the most intricate styles of woodwork is a form of marquetry
(moarraq)
called
khatam
. A Persian style of marquetry slowly developed through the centuries and by the
17th century
khatam
was so prestigious that several Safavid princes learned the technique.
