TEHRAN - Iranian artist Shahrbanoo Arabian-Larimi has won the prestigious A’ Design Award in the Fine Arts and Art Installation Design category for her remarkable decorative plate titled “The Role of Imagination”.

The announcement was made on Saturday by Atefeh Shabani, the deputy director of handicrafts at the Mazandaran province’s Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, ISNA reported.

According to Shabani, the award-winning piece is a handcrafted decorative plate designed in the shape of the sun. It features 10 interconnected polygons encircling the Earth, symbolizing humanity’s pursuit of perfection. The design, rich in cultural symbolism, is inspired by Iran’s ancient heritage, showcasing motifs that reflect the deep connection between Iranian art and civilization.

This project began in March 2022 and was completed in July 2023. Through the efforts of this distinguished artist from Mazandaran, a deeply meaningful work of art has been created, one that will stand as a legacy for future generations, Shabani explained.

She added that the intricate design of the polygons, which represents the Earth being embraced as though by a mother, successfully conveys the essence of Iranian art and culture.

Arabian-Larimi’s work serves as a testament to the creativity and skill of Iranian artisans, she added.

According to Arabian-Larimi, the decorative plate is made of copper, featuring ridges that form an octagonal shape, symbolizing the sun. These ridges represent human progress towards perfection, with each section reflecting the rich culture, literature, and art of Iran. The design includes verses from famous poets of past centuries and traditional Iranian motifs, such as roses and nightingales—symbolizing the beauty of Iranian gardens—as well as a depiction of polo, the oldest Iranian sport, representing the theme of lover and beloved.

“This versatile piece can be used for various purposes. If washed with water, even very old enamel objects will regain their original brightness and shine. It can be safely cleaned with warm or cool water using a sponge or other cleaning tools, maintaining its beautiful, bright finish,” the artist explained.

The A’ Design Award is an international competition held annually in Italy, aimed at recognizing and promoting outstanding designs from artists and designers around the world.

AM