TEHRAN- Gereh-chini, an emblematic Iranian craft renowned for its intricate decorative elements and practical applications, has been revived in west-central province of Hamedan.

The art, once on the verge of fading into oblivion, has been meticulously resurrected by an artisan couple, Mehdi Pashai and Azadeh Aqajani, within their workshop nestled in Asadabad city, ISNA reported on Monday. 

With unwavering determination and unmatched creativity, this talented duo has breathed new life into the ancient art of "Gereh Chini," resurrecting its glory, the report added. 

The ancient Iranian art of Gereh-chini, which literally translates to "arranging the knots," is a traditional form of decorative and functional handicraft. It involves skillfully arranging finely cut pieces of wood onto a surface, following a specific design.

Gereh-chini primarily utilizes beautifully repetitive geometric knots. Its birthplace is Isfahan, and it is believed to have originated during the time of the Seljuk dynasty. However, the exact date of its inception remains uncertain. This art form experienced its peak during the Safavid era, adding to its historical significance.

In Gereh-chini, the pieces of wood are used in their natural color without any paint application. Masters of this craft recommend using plane trees to achieve the best results. However, other types of wood like walnut, beech, morus, almond, silverberry, zelkova, pear, and jujube are also used to create shrine doors, pulpits, doors, frames, decorative dividing panels, and more.

There are seven distinct types of knots, or Gereh, in this art form - Tond, Kond, Shol, Kond o Shol, Pili, and Doroodgari. Each knot variation possesses its own unique history and design.

Gereh Chini can be categorized into three main types: 1. All wood, where only wood is used; 2. Moshabbak, involving lattice trelliswork; and 3. Orosi or Sash window. Orosi windows, created using Gereh and colored glass, are particularly captivating and were commonly found during the Zand and Qajar dynasties. They hold immense artistic value.

In Gereh-chini, each knot consists of interlocking pieces of wood meticulously combined to form intricate designs. The finer the wood pieces, the higher the value of the final product.

Gereh-chini pieces are specially crafted to withstand the diverse climatic conditions in different regions of Iran. They are constructed using tongue and groove joints, ensuring their durability. As a result, Gereh-chini artworks can be found adorning numerous historical buildings across the country.

Remarkably, several of these structures still stand today, including the exquisite Chehel Sotoon and Hasht Behesht Palaces, as well as historic houses like Alam and Shekh ol-Islam in Isfahan. Additionally, architectural gems such as the House of Tabatabai in Kashan, Abbasian, Boroujerdi, and the majestic Golestan Palace, among others in Yazd and Tehran, boast the intricate beauty of Gereh-chini.

Even today, Gereh-chini workshops continue to operate in Tehran, preserving and practicing this traditional craft.

SAB/