Happy World Handicrafts Day

June 10 marks the World Handicrafts Day, an occasion commemorating the creative works of hard-working men and women all over the globe.
Handicrafts and traditional arts reflect the identity of Iran and form a great part of the Iranian life in history and represent the culture of our country.
There are a large number of artisans working on handicrafts in Iran, particularly in the city of Shiraz and Isfahan. The major traditional arts in Iran include carpet weaving, khatam art (Persian technique of inlaying), interior decoration with mirrors, Persian rug weaving and ceramic tile art.
A broad range of Iranian handicrafts are put up for sale in the popular tourist attraction that you can buy as a souvenir.

World Handicraft Day on June 10

Iranian Handicrafts

Many believe that the best way to get to know a folk culture is through discovering its traditional handicrafts. You can find a legend, an ancient story, a life attitude even the social trend in a folk handicraft. Gabbeh is the handmade product of tribes and today produced in some workshops. The weaver chooses the layout according to his concepts or perspective of his surrounding animals, people, trees or even woven geometric shapes. Roberto, our Italian guest was really curious about Iranian handicrafts and Leila, the professional tour guide of Uppersia team, satisfied his curiosity.

An Italian traveler tries to weave Gabe

Experience Nomadic Lifestyle by Uppersia

There are still millions of people scattered around the globe living as nomads .Iran is one of the nomad countries in the world. Moreover, Iran is so culturally and ethnically diverse that even its nomadic population is classified into different groups and tribes, the Qashqai people being, perhaps, the largest one. They are particularly famous for their weaving and their carpets, which are made from special Shiraz wool and are, therefore, brighter in color and softer in texture than the products from elsewhere in the country. Have you ever tempted to try nomadic lifestyle? Uppersia helps you to try it and stay an overnight in their tent. It sounds amazing. Isn’t it? Leila, our well-informed guide-driver, accompanied this adventurous family to chase their own dreams and discovered nomadic life style in Kahkaran.

This adventurous family discovered nomadic life style in Kahkaran

Traditional Iranian handicrafts by real artisans

Handcrafts and art industry represent culture, tradition and creativity of the people of Isfahan. Miniature painting, carving, mosaic and silver beads, chain weaving, carpet weaving, and textile crafts are traditional arts which flourished in the Safavid era. It is highly recommended that visitors make time to view the beautiful native arts and crafts.

Inlaid art crafts

These consist of objects with small wooden triangles in regular geometric forms. Inlaid art works in geometric patterns are composed of triangles made up of ivory, camel bone, wood, brass and wire. Many products such as picture frames, jewelry boxes, cigarette boxes, pipes and album covers are decorated with this intricate inlaid work.

 

Inlaid art crafts,Isfahan,Iran

Weaving

Persian carpets go back 2500 years and have a rich culture behind them. There are of two types: nomadic and city woven carpets. Tribal and nomadic carpets which are made by Iranian nomads have an improvised geometric design and asymmetric pattern made with organic colors. City woven carpets can be made of thread, silk and wool in a different pattern based on a weaver’s style. Today, most designs of new carpets include Lachak forms, flowers, shahabbasi, prayer, trees and hunting.

Weaving,Isfahan,Iran

Silk Isfahan carpets

One of the most expensive carpets in the world belong to Iran, and is the silk carpet of Isfahan. The outstanding craftsmanship, high knot density and use of pure silk make them unique. These carpets have a high decorative value with striking colors and elaborate patterned designs. They are one of the main crafts which has an important economic aspect too. In the Safavid era, Isfahan was one of the main carpet centers. There are some shops in this city where carpets are woven in a golden texture. 

Silk carpet, Isfahan, Iran

Felting

Felt is the oldest textile fabric dates back to 6300 BC and has its origin in the Neolithic period. It is created from wool or other animal fibers that are densely matted together. In Asia, particularly in Iran, this nonwoven fabric has been used for yurts, rugs, hats, boots and clothing since 16th century. Felt making largely belongs to nomads communities including Qashgaees, Bakhtiyari and Arab Jarghoye who mainly live in Fereydonshah ,Semirom, chadegan and Shahrreza  among which, Semirom felting is very famous .

Felting,Isfahan,Iran

 You can visit Qeytariye bazar in Isfahan and spend some hours in this historical yet alive atmosphere which seems to be a great experience while traveling in Iran and enjoy watching and buying these marvelous handicrafts.