Khanehbandi enamel art: a shining gem in the darkness of Iran’s traditional arts
Khanehbandi enamel is one of the most delicate and valuable traditional arts of Iran, which is created by combining various arts such as metalwork, goldsmithing, penmanship and enameling. This art, which is several thousand years old, has taken root in Iran and is known as one of the artistic honors of our country.
What is home building enamel?
In this type of enameling, small houses are first created on the surface of the metal, usually gold or silver. These houses are engraved on the surface of the metal with the use of pen and hammer and with exemplary elegance. Then enameled colored powders are placed inside these houses and after baking in the oven, a smooth and shiny surface is created.
The history of house-building enamel
The roots of house enamel go back to ancient times and ancient civilizations of Iran. This art reached its peak in different historical periods, especially in the Safavid period. Skilled artists of that era made the name of Iran famous in the world by creating unique works.
Characteristics of house-building enamel
- Elegance and high accuracy: each of the houses created on the metal surface is made with exemplary accuracy and elegance.
- Various and bright colors: the use of various and bright enamel colors doubles the beauty and attractiveness of the works.
- Complex and geometric designs: In the design of these works, complex and beautiful geometric and plant designs are used.
- Handwork: All the steps of making a house-bandi enamel work are done manually and with a lot of time and energy.
The steps of building enamel - Surface preparation: First, the desired metal surface is polished and then the desired design is placed on it.
- Creating houses: small and delicate houses are created on the surface of the metal by using a pen and a hammer.
- Filling the houses with enamel powder: colored enameled powders are placed inside the houses.
- Furnace firing: the workpiece is heated in the furnace at a high temperature until the enamel powders are melted and a uniform and shiny surface is created.
- Final polishing: after baking, the work surface is polished to increase its shine.
The importance of preserving the art of house-building enamel - Preservation of cultural identity: this art is a part of Iran’s cultural and artistic identity.
- Creation of employment: preservation and development of this art can create job opportunities for artists.
- Development of tourism: Khanehbandi enamel works can be offered to tourists as souvenirs and valuable gifts.