TEHRAN – An exhibition of handmade personal ornaments made of semi-precious stones has opened to the public at the headquarters of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts in Tehran.

Highlights of the exhibition are Malileh, or tapestry motifs, as well as delicately carved engravings on stone, CHTN reported on Monday.

According to the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, Iran has the most cities and towns registered with the World Crafts Council (WCC), followed by China with seven, Chile with four and India with three.

In January 2020, the cities of Shiraz, Malayer, Zanjan, and the village of Qasemabad were designated by the WCC- Asia-Pacific Region, bringing the number of craft cities and towns in Iran from 10 to 14. Shiraz was named a “world city of [diverse] handicrafts.”Malayer was made a global hub for woodcarving and carved wood furniture. Zanjan gained the title of a “world city of filigree.” The village of Qassemabad, which is nationally known for its traditional costumes, was also promoted to a world hub of handicrafts.

Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany, the U.S., and the littoral states of the Persian Gulf are among the countries that traditionally import ceramics, porcelain, handwoven clothing, personal jewelry, and semi-precious stones from Iran.

AM