TEHRAN – Ghalamzani is the splendid art of engraving superb designs on various kinds of metals such as copper, brass, silver, and gold by the means of carving chisels.

It seems that the history of engraving has not been too far from the time when man discovered and used the metals. The ancient samples are being kept in the National Museum of Iran and other ones across the globe, some dating 3000 years.

Isfahan has long been the main hub for ancient expertise, where artists make a range of gold and silver dishes stunningly decorated with animals and scenes of hunting.

A typical artist meticulously uses a chisel and hammer to carve out every detail to engrave vivid scenes. Experts say the artistic movement of the engraver’s hand and the harmonized blows of the hammer and engraving tool will be finally led to creating a unique job.

However, the material will be decorated and embellished after it has already been shaped by another talented artist using a hammer and anvil.

Modern-day metal dish preparation is occasionally handled by machinery due to the difficult work and advancing age of the masters.

Following the artist's completion of the pattern drawing, the back of the piece is coated with tar and baked along with other materials. Next, the main lines of the design are traced using carving chisels. From this point on, it may take the artist weeks or even months to complete the design, which was once just an idea in his head.

Every piece is meticulously made, requiring the artists to have a great deal of skill, talent, and patience.

Many materials and tools, including chisels, hammers, instruments made by hand, etc. are used by the artisans to emboss and engrave the most intricate and complex designs on different kinds of metals.

Various natural scenes, human and animal forms, floral and plant patterns, hunting grounds, etc. Some of the numerous beautiful images that have been meticulously hand-carved into various types of Ghalamzani pieces include and.

In addition to applying heat, other techniques used to create these works of art include the use of waxes, dyes, sanding, and polishing. The beautiful Ghalamzani handicrafts come in the form of ornamental trays, plates, vases, pitchers, and other utensils.

AFM