Marquetry: Ancient Persian handicraft

Marquetry or Moaraq in Persian, which is believed to have been practicing in Iran since 90 years ago, is a form of wooden art in which colorful pieces of wood are cut and put next to each other on a wooden or polyester background.

One of the many examples of marquetry is the stand for Holy Quran at the Metropolitan Art Museum. This piece dates back to the 15th century and is made from carved wood, latticework, and inlaid veneers.

Iranian province of Isfahan has a special place in this art. The best and most diverse marquetry artworks of the world can be found in the province.

Further, during the Safavid dynasty of Iran several more elaborate designs were applied on door inlays and boxes. During the same period, there was also another kind of marquetry in which pieces of wood, bone, and layers of Khatam (an ancient Persian technique of inlaying) were attached to each other.

Using arabesque patterns mostly, Marquetry was first emerged as a way to decorate the tops of tables, cabinets, doors, backs of chairs and mirror frames. Later on, this delicate craft has been developed into creating elegant tableaus as well as making useful objects.

Besides woods, seashells, copper, brass, silver, gold, and ivory are also incorporated to make Moaraq.  

Over time, marquetry has undergone many changes. And nowadays, marquetry is practiced in many cities and provinces of the country.

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