History of filigree in Iran
According to archeological discoveries, the oldest objects in which the roots of Iranian filigree can be traced belong to the Achaemenid period. During the Sassanid era, metalworkers, especially silversmiths, made expensive utensils full of artistic taste for the affluent classes of society and used all their talents to create very delicate and artistic works.
In some cases, the use of precious stones doubled the beauty of these objects.
Unfortunately, many artifacts from that historical period were looted during the Arab invasion (due to the preciousness of silver objects and their light weight). But what has been obtained over the last few centuries as a result of archaeological excavations or accidentally from areas such as Susa and Hamedan and the treasure of Jeyhun, indicates the existence of filigree and also shows the skill and mastery of filigree craftsmen in Iran before BC. Be.
Professor Arthur Opham Pope, in his book Masterpieces of Iranian Art, while referring to goldsmithing and silversmithing in the years after the advent of Islam, has mentioned works of filigree belonging to the 12th century AD. The number and surviving works from that time are very small. Because filigree items are made of gold and silver and can be easily melted down and reused, they are also obsolete over time and there are still many examples of filigree from the past. Not left.
During the Seljuk period, most of the creators of exquisite metal works were Khorasani artists living in the east and northeast of Iran, some of whom left their homeland due to bloody wars and local conflicts, in other cities such as Zanjan, Boroujerd, Hamedan, They settled in Tabriz and especially in Mosul.
According to what was mentioned, it is probable that Khorasan artists made the art of metalworking, including filigree, in the fifth year of AH AH spread in Zanjan. From the Qajar period, a number of hookah heads, cup holders, trays in different sizes, earrings, small chests, etc., have remained, some of which are in domestic and foreign museums and some in private collections or with the family. Are maintained.
At present, filigree is common in Zanjan, except for Tehran, where filigree craftsmen are more active in jewelry making. It is necessary to explain that filigree is also limited in Tabriz and Isfahan, but Zanjan filigree because The originality of the designs as well as the unique elegance in general has a high quality compared to Isfahan filigree and in turn has a special place among the prominent fields of Iranian handicrafts. This art is very prosperous in Zanjan.