Revival of enamel art in East Azerbaijan in Iran
Enamelling is an art that has been used to beautify jewelry and utensils since ancient times. In this art, which has a history of five thousand years, a combination of fire and soil is mixed with the art of painting, and as a result, beautiful maps are created. Some experts believe that this art was formed in Iran and later spread to other countries, following the adaptation of Byzantine enamels to Iranian works.
Due to the climatic conditions and historical features of traditional arts and crafts, it has always been considered and used by the Azerbaijani people and has gradually become an integral part of their lives. Unbelievable.
The art of enameling reached its peak during the reign of Fath Ali Shah Qajar
Behrouz Khamachi, an expert on history, says: The art of enameling, like the arts of engraving, painting, and making gold, has been used since the Safavid period to decorate holy places.
He adds: The heyday of this art was during the reign of Fath Ali Shah Qajar, who created unique and exquisite works in painting enamel, and artists such as Baqer Minasaz and Mohammad Jafar emerged.
Khamachi said: Unfortunately, Nasser al-Din Shah’s first trip to Farang and the eye-catching European art in the eyes of the Shah of Iran caused the court’s orders to move from local artists to European and French craftsmen. Others closed their workshops until the art, which was completely forgotten about 120 years ago, was revived four years ago by two Tabriz masters and re-established in the Iranian-Handicrafts and Crafts Jirga.
Afarin, one of the handicraft experts of the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization of East Azerbaijan, said about the art of enamel painting: It includes flowers and very delicate chickens.
He says: The art of enameling in Iran has been used to decorate the doors and shrines of holy places, as well as to make court dishes and utensils, but today, in addition to holy places, it is used to make decorative items inspired by old works.