A Persian word, Khatamkari (inlaid) refers to the art of decorating objects with a mosaic of small triangles. While pattern designs vary in Khatamkari or inlaid, they are all similar in being orderly arrangements of geometric shapes. The mosaic in the work of Khatamkari is created by laying small triangular pieces of wood, metal, or bone over an object.
Materials used in Inlaid (Khatamkari)
Different materials are used in inlaid, including:
· Wood: Zelkova, bitter orange, ebony, jujube, kingwood, and boxwood
· Metal: Wires of gold, silver, aluminum, copper, and brass
· Bone: Ivory, artificial bone, and oyster
Steps of Khatamkari
Khatamkari has two steps:
1. Khatamsazi (“making khatam”): Involves designing the pattern, preparing the materials, making the qāmeh (a rectangular block made up of long wooden sticks), and finally cutting up the qāmeh into “khatam layers.”
2. Khatamkari (“khatam laying”): Involves designing the base surface, gluing khatam layers onto the base surface, and applying a finishing material over the completed work.
Uses of Khatamkari / inlaid Decorative dishes
One of the uses of these decorative objects is that they can be considered a great corporate gift that with its beauty and uniqueness, makes you and your company unforgettable and has a great impact on your partners and customers.
In addition traditionally, in Iran, Khatamkari (inlaid) was mostly used to ornament religious objects and places of worship, with results that could be described as fascinating masterpieces. Today, its use has broadened to include a greater variety of objects, including boxes, chests, vases, tissue boxes, and lidded bowls.
inlaid / Khatamkari home decor products
What sets Khatamkari apart is that it can be done on different kinds of surfaces, which makes it possible to ornament a wide range of decorative, antique, and vintage objects using this technique; objects such as:
· Cake/dessert stands
· Jewel boxes
· Picture frames
· Backgammon boards
· Chests
· Chessboards
· Pen cases
How to tell authentic from fake inlaid
One thing that people always wonder about when shopping for works of inlaid and similar handicrafts, is how they can identify a high-quality work. Here are the key things we recommend you check to tell whether a product is genuine or fake:
· Neat paintwork
· Full polish coating
· Perfectly flat surface
· Flawless geometric shapes
· Even colors
· No empty spots
· Perfectly symmetrical patterns on all sides
· Flawless corners
· Type of wood – Recommended: areca, ebony, and teak
· Meticulous patterns – The tinier and more delicate the triangles, the higher the quality
Also, the more metal (especially brass) pieces used in a work, the higher is its quality. Finally, a truly authentic khatam is one whose every piece is made by hand.
Which cities in Iran produce Khatamkari?
The beautiful city of Shiraz is the most prominent center of Khatamkari production in Iran, and the craft is also widely practiced in Isfahan, Golpayegan, and Tehran. Iranian khatam makers produce a good variety of products, a great portion of which is exported to European countries, as well as the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Canada, and the US. Cyruscrafts is working to bring further international exposure to Iran’s rich art and culture by introducing and selling various Persian handicrafts, including exquisite and outstanding works of Khatamkari made by Iranian artists.
Cyruscrafts specializes in the supply, sale, and export of the finest Persian handicrafts, including works of Khatamkari. We bring you high-class, one-of-a-kind products that will liven up and individualize your home or workplace.
