The art of inlaying: the shining jewel of Iranian handicrafts
Khatamkari is one of the most delicate and beautiful traditional arts of Iran, in which, by combining geometry and color, unique works are created. This art is a combination of patience, accuracy and artistic taste that has become one of the most valuable handicrafts of Iran over the years.
What is Khatam?
Khatam is a combination of regular polygons with different number of sides, which is formed by using different raw materials in different colors. These polygons are usually in the form of triangles, and by putting them together, very beautiful and complex geometric designs are created.
Inlay materials
- Wood: Different woods such as ebony, walnut, jujube, orange, etc. are used to make Khatam. Each of these woods has its own color and texture and adds beauty to the Khatam design.
- Bone: camel and cow bone is also used in making Khatam due to its white and shiny color.
- Metal: Metals such as copper, brass and gold are also used in some designs of Khatam.
The stages of making a seal - Preparation of raw materials: cutting wood, bone and metal in the form of small triangles.
- Combining triangles: putting triangles together and creating geometric designs.
- Making Qamah: gluing triangles together and creating Qamah (the rod on which the design of Khatam is created).
- Cutting Qamah: cutting Qamah into thin pieces and gluing them on the desired surface.
- Polishing: polishing the surface of the seal to create shine and beauty.
Khatam applications - Interior decorations: inlaying is used to decorate all kinds of items such as jewelry boxes, pencil cases, photo frames, tables, etc.
- Handicrafts: Many Iranian handicrafts such as chess, dice, etc. are decorated with Khatam.
- Gift: Khatamkari products are given as valuable gifts on various occasions.
The importance of finishing - Preservation of traditions: Khatamkari is one of the ancient Iranian traditions that is passed on to Future generations.
- Creating employment: Khatamkari is a source of income for artists and craftsmen.
- Promotion of Iranian art: Khatamkari is one of the symbols of Iranian art and culture and helps to introduce Iran at the world level.