TEHRAN – Iran has been named as the guest of honor for the 22nd International Craft Selling Exhibition (L’Artigiano in Fiera), which will be running from December 2 to 10 in Milan, Italy.

Exhibitors from some 110 countries are set to attend the prestigious sales exhibition within 16 specializing halls at the Rho-Pero exhibition center.

Several Iranian officials will deliver speeches during the opening ceremony of the event that is “the biggest” handicrafts exhibit in the European Union, CHTN quoted Pouya Mahmoudian who presides over exports department of the Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization, as saying.

Iran’s pavilion will include various sections dedicated to handicrafts, rugs, carpets and traditional dishes. It will also embrace a teahouse and a [theme] restaurant in an area of over 1,000 square meters, the official added.

“A total of 36 artisans and craftspeople from across the country are scheduled to showcase their expertise by holding various live workshops at the exhibit.”

Woodcarving, needlework, leatherwork, and glassware productions along with traditional jewelries, miniatures, ceramics, potteries, precious stones & semi-precious gemstones will be amongst Iranian offerings.

The pavilion will also host “Iranian Home” that gains advantages of traditional handicrafts within modern homes. The initiative made its debut at the 28th National Crafts Exhibition which was held at the Tehran Permanent International Fairground in August.

Over the past couple of years, dozens of Iranian handicrafts have been honored with the UNESCO Seal of Excellence. In 2010, a total of 65 crafts on various themes including enamel, tile, metalwork, leatherwork, wood carving received the privilege.

PHOTO: A poster for the 22nd International Craft Selling Exhibition (L’Artigiano in Fiera)

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