Khatamkari, or Persian inlay work, is one of the finest and most intricate traditional handicrafts of Iran. It involves decorating the surface of objects using tiny geometric pieces made from wood, metal, and bone, arranged in mosaic-like patterns. This art requires immense precision, creativity, and patience, and has been practiced for centuries in Iran and other countries such as India, Turkey, and Afghanistan.
Definition of Khatamkari
- According to the Illustrated Dictionary of Iranian Art Terms, Khatam is defined as the art of decorating object surfaces using tiny geometric shapes—mostly triangles—arranged in mosaic patterns. The more delicate and smaller the pieces, the more valuable the Khatam.
- In Dehkhoda Dictionary, Khatam is described as embedding bone and decorative elements into wood.
- The Book of Islamic Industries states that Khatam is an art originating in the Middle East, used to decorate furniture, boxes, chests, and other objects with geometric patterns made from small pieces of wood, ivory, bone, or shell.
Historical Background
Khatamkari is an ancient and refined art with deep roots in Iranian culture. Although its exact origins are unclear, several theories exist among Khatam artisans:
- Before the Mongol invasion: Early forms of inlay work existed in Iran; one example is the pulpit of the Atiq Grand Mosque in Shiraz.
- Mongol Era: This art was influenced by Chinese styles and techniques brought to Iran during the Mongol rule. Iranian artisans added innovations in geometry, color, and materials, transforming the craft significantly.
- Safavid Dynasty: The peak of Khatamkari, especially in Isfahan. Notable examples from this era include:
- The shrine of Imam Musa al-Kadhim
- The shrine of Imam Hasan al-Askari
- Shah Nematollah Vali’s shrine in Mahan, Kerman
Today:
The provinces of Isfahan, Razavi Khorasan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, and Khuzestan are leading centers for this art.
Materials Used
- Types of Wood: Ebony, rosewood, jujube, citrus, maple, boxwood, poplar, and others
- Bone and Ivory: Camel, cow, horse bones, and sometimes elephant ivory
- Metal Wires: Brass, silver, and occasionally gold
- Shell (Mother-of-pearl): For white glossy accents in high-quality pieces
- Thread (Perk Thread): Used to tie pieces tightly during assembly
- Glue (Sarishm): Natural glue made from animal fat, stronger than industrial adhesives
- Varnish: Applied after polishing to create a uniform, shiny, and durable surface
Tools and Equipment
- Saws: Bone saws, frame saws, fine saws
- Planes: Iron planes, double-handed, curved planes
- Files: For shaping and smoothing different surfaces
- Presses: Used to tightly bond layers of Khatam to wood bases (known as Tureh stage)
- Other tools: Compasses, calipers, chisels, hammers, clamps, glue containers, rulers, and magnets
Steps of Making Khatam
- Initial Cutting: Wood and bone are cut into strips (~30cm long, 2cm wide, 1–2.5mm thick)
- Shaping: Strips are shaped into small triangles and polished
- Designing: A pattern is sketched and colored based on the desired geometric design
- Assembly: Triangular pieces and metal wires are glued and tied together with thread
- Creating “Parreh”: Arranged triangles form a patterned piece called a Parreh
- Combining Parrehs: Multiple parrehs are glued and tied to form larger patterns
- “Gol-Pichi” (Flower Setting): A round wire is shaped into a hexagon (Shamseh) and surrounded by six wires
- Pressing: The pieces are compressed tightly in a press to bond completely
- Creating Panels: Pressed patterns are cut into rectangular sheets (~30×110 cm)
- Adding Edges (Oveh): Wooden borders are glued to strengthen the panels
- Final Cutting (“Qameh Kardan”): The sheets are sliced into thin decorative layers (1–1.5mm thick), polished, and adhered to objects
Designs, Patterns, and Colors
Khatam designs are mostly made of geometric patterns—triangles, diamonds, half-circles—using the natural colors of different woods, metals, bone, and shells. Common colors include:
- Green, red, black, brown (from wood)
- White (from bone or shell)
- Gold/silver (from metal wires)
Notable Patterns:
- Pareh-var, Parehi, Nine-flower layered, Six-diamond, Simple cloud, Double-cloud, Multicolor bordered, Star-patterned, Paisley-shaped, Street-patterned, Arched, Zanjir-e-Simi (Metal chain pattern), and more.
Conclusion
Khatamkari is a unique art form that blends geometry, color, and fine craftsmanship. It reflects the ingenuity and precision of Iranian artisans and stands as a cultural treasure of the nation. From intricate jewelry boxes to grand shrines, every piece of Khatam is a testament to centuries of artistic heritage.
