Khatam

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Khatam is one of persian versions of marquetry, and is the art of decorating the surface of wooden articles with delicate pieces of wood, bone and metal precisely-cut geometrical shapes.

Marquetry one of the finest manual artworks of Iran. The materials used in the construction of inlaid articles can be in gold, silver, brass, aluminum and twisted wire. Various types of inlaid articles and their quality are known by the size and the geometrical designs. The smaller the pieces, the higher the quality.

Designing of inlaid articles is highly elaborated. In each cubic centimeter of inlaid work, up to approximately 250 pieces of metal, bone, ivory and wood are laid side by side. This art, to some extent, has existed in Iran from long ago. Inlaid articles in the Safavid era took on a special significance as artists created their precious artworks. These works include; doors and windows, mirror frames, Quran boxes, inlaid boxes, pen and penholders, lanterns and inlaid ornamented shrines.

The ornamentation of the doors of holy places predominantly consists of inlaid motifs. Samples of these can be observed in the cities of Mahshad, Qom, Shiraz and Rey. In the Safavid era, the art of marquetry flourished in the southern cities of Iran, especially in Isfahan, Shiraz and Kerman. An inlaid desk, which is one of the definitive masterpieces of this art, was awarded the first prize and a gold medal in an art exposition in Brussels recently. This desk is now preserved in the National Museum of Washington. Also in some of the Majestic places and homes, doors and various items have been inlaid. The inlaid-ornamented rooms in Saadabad and Marble palace in Tehran are among masterpieces of this art.

Currently this art is being practiced in Isfahan, Shiraz and Tehran. Inlay masters, preserving the nobility of their art, have brought forth great innovations in this fine art. Woodcarving is one of the other outstanding Iranian arts. Designing has a special role in this skill. In wood-caring, magnificent patterns inlaid in wood, ivory or bone, with simple or protruded shapes are created.

Important wood carving of Iran can be found in mosques, palaces and ancient buildings. Some of the Iranian inlaid works are preserved in museums inside or outside Iran . The usual images are rose leaves and drawings of birds and animals. Latticed woodwork is another art, which is made by hand. Old latticed doors and windows of Iran are famous. Among other artworks sudorific inlaid work can be mentioned. In this kind of inlaid work, the artist strictly avoids protrusions on the surface of the wood. The images cut out of natural wood in various colors are finely inlaid in the wooden outline. After the application of a fine finish, an even surface is portrayed, which tend to produce an interesting image of trees, flowers and animals. The art of inlaid and sudorific woodwork are supported by the workshops of the Cultural Heritage Organization of Iran. These arts are also practiced in private workshops.