Leather Marquetry: A Shining Gem of Iranian Handicrafts
Leather marquetry is another authentic and delicate Iranian art in which small pieces of leather with different colors and thicknesses are arranged together to create a beautiful and harmonious design. This art is a combination of patience, precision, and artistic taste, and the result is works that captivate the eye of any viewer.
History of Leather Marquetry in Iran
The roots of leather marquetry in Iran date back to ancient times. Given the history of leatherworking in Iran, it can be assumed that the art of leather marquetry was also formed simultaneously. However, the peak of this art’s prosperity dates back to the Safavid period, when, due to the Safavid kings’ interest in art and handicrafts, this art also attracted attention, and many artists were active in this field.
Steps in Creating Works of Art Using Leather Marquetry
- Selecting leather: High-quality leathers with a variety of colors are selected for this art. Natural leathers such as cowhide, sheepskin, and goatskin are more commonly used due to their variety of colors and textures.
- Designing the pattern: The desired design is carefully drawn on a flat surface such as wood or leather.
- Cutting the leather: The leathers are cut into small pieces and with various geometric shapes according to the design.
- Arranging the pieces: The cut pieces are carefully and patiently arranged together to create the desired design.
- Gluing the pieces: The leather pieces are glued to the desired surface using special glue.
- Final processing: After the work is completed, the surface is finished to make it smooth and shiny.
Tools Used in Leather Marquetry
- Sharp knife: For precisely cutting leather
- Tweezers: For picking up small pieces of leather
- Glue: For gluing leather pieces together and to the surface
- Flat surface: For placing leather pieces and gluing them
Applications of Leather Marquetry Art
- Decorating surfaces: Leather marquetry is used to decorate various surfaces such as tables, chairs, picture frames, boxes, and more.
- Creating paintings: Many artists use this art to create beautiful and unique paintings.
- Making decorative objects: This art is used to make decorative objects such as mirrors, candlesticks, and more.