Iranian handicraft, vitreous enamel

Minakari, or vitreous enamel is a glorious Iranian handicraft which is intertwining fire, metal, and soil.It also has colorful motifs and lines resulting in gorgeously beautified decorative objects displaying intricate designs. However this art seems to be new, but it has a long-time background.

Products:  Frames, plates, bowls, vases, doors and window sills, jewelry boxes and rosewater containers.

Place of origin: Isfahan, Iran.

Materials: gold, silver, copper, zinc, and brass objects, enamel, special resins and colors, paint brushes, and compass

The process of this Iranian handicraft:

The first step in producing this Iranian handicraft, vitreous enamel, is to prepare the working surface. Then an experienced and skilled coppersmith prepares the object for enameling by bending and hammering it. After cleaning it with sulfuric acid, the object is ready for enameling.

The second step of this Iranian handicraft is the actual enameling of the craft. To this end craft master sprays the craft with an enamel solution and place it in a furnace. The tempreture should be 750-800 degrees Celsius. The craftsman repeats this glazing procedure 3 or 4 times. Once ready, using tiny delicate brushes, the artisan paints on the handicraft different motifs and designs such as arabesques, hunting grounds, birds, flowers, and lines. In the end, after painting the object, the craft master places it in the furnace one last time to permanently keep the colors and the motifs on the craft.

History and background:

According to most history studies, this art was at first in Persia.Then this art was spread to other regions around the world. One of the oldest known Minakari objects is an Achaemenid dynasty gold enamelled armband that is presently displayed in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

you can read more about this art in our Iranian handicraft collection here. You can also see our products in this link.

Get more familiar with this art here.