Qalamzani: Ancient Persian metalwork art

Qalamzani (also Ghalamzani) is an ancient Persian metalwork art that is mostly practiced in Iran’s art-making province of Isfahan.

Dating back to 5-7 thousand years ago, Qalamzani is the art of engraving by chisels and hammers on different metals such as gold, silver, copper, brass, and some alloys.

In the Achaemenid era, the golden age of metalworking, different methods of metalworking were developed that hugely influenced this craft for the next centuries and millenniums.

Today, with the efforts of Iranian artists, especially the people of Isfahan, engraving works such as traditional objects and utensils and three-dimensional decorative paintings have gone beyond the geography of Isfahan and Iran.

Qalamzani in Iran is practiced in two main styles including Tabriz and Isfahan styles. In Tabriz style, the pressure for moving the chisel and engraving is done by the pressure of the wrist, and in Isfahan style, it is done by hammering.

There are some workshops in Isfahan as the main center of Qalamzani. Travel to Iran could be a great opportunity for those who wish to see this ancient art. It is also recommended as an exquisite souvenir for the tours to Iran.

More Persian handicrafts:

Rashti-Duzi

Korgi-Bafi

Haft-Rang tiles

Varni-Bafi

Papier-mache and lacquer work

Kapu weaving of Khuzestan

Pan-Bafi

Kiseh-Bafi

Darayi-Bafi

Aba-Bafi

Khorjin-Bafi

Chigh-Bafi

Sermeh-Douzi

Ihrami weaving

Gereh Chini

Varsho-Saz

Shawl-Bafi

South Khorasan carpets

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