TEHRAN – In a distinguished event, held in China, eight accomplished artisans hailing from Iran have emerged as the standout figures selected by the World Crafts Council-Asia Pacific Region (WCC-APR).

In a recent interview with ISNA, the head of the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism Department in Kashan outlined that nine skilled craftspeople, each specializing in a unique craft discipline, showed off their skills at the event.

“Notably, eight of them received the highest votes from the panel of judges” Ahmad Danayi-Niya stated, “demonstrating the depth and diversity of Iran's artisanal expertise.”

The official further detailed the selection process, declaring that the artisans presented detailed insights into their craft, showcasing the methods involved in creating masterpieces.

“The judges then posed questions, and the artisans responded fluently, showcasing not only their technical prowess but also their deep understanding of the cultural and artistic significance of their work.”

“The intensive three-day event culminated in the announcement of results and the formal confirmation of the judges' decisions. Overall, 60 artisans from the Asia and Oceania region were selected, representing a diverse range of crafts,” Dnayi-Niya noted.

According to the official, the award ceremony took place in the National Woodcarving Museum in Dongyang.

Available data suggests the value of Iran’s handicraft exports stood at $400 million during the first ten months of the past Iranian calendar year 1401 (Mar. 21, 2022—Jan. 20, 2023). “Compared to the same period a year earlier, the figure represents some 30 percent growth.”

At present, a total of 13 cities and three villages in Iran have been registered by the World Council of Handicrafts as “world cities of handicrafts”. The World Crafts Council is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that was founded in 1964 to promote fellowship, foster economic development through income-generating craft-related activities, and organize exchange programs, workshops, conferences, and exhibitions.

The World Crafts Council is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that was founded in 1964 to promote fellowship, foster economic development through income-generating craft related activities, organize exchange programs, workshops, conferences, seminars, and exhibitions—and in general, to offer encouragement, help, and advice to the craftspersons of the world.