Copper and Khatam
If you are a fan of Khatam art but prefer to experience a bit more visual diversity in works related to this art, we recommend Copper and Khatam to you.
This composite art is the result of applying the art of Khatam onto a copper base, unlike its older form which is done on wood.
If you want to learn more about this field of handicrafts, stay with us until the end.
Khatam-kari Copper Vessels
As the name suggests, these artworks are produced by combining two art-industries: coppersmithing and Khatam-kari.
Coppersmithing is considered one of the handicrafts of ancient Iran. Artworks from this craft industry were being made five thousand years ago in Sialk, Kashan.
The art of Khatam is formed by the mosaic-like arrangement of regular polygons, an arrangement that leads to the emergence of regular geometric shapes. The first examples of this art were found on the thousand-year-old minbar (pulpit) of the Atigh Mosque of Shiraz.
This ancient art has had two main forms since its inception. In fact, Khatam could be glued onto two different surfaces: wood or copper.
Applying Khatam onto wood has a more complex and ancient history.
Khatam-inlaid copper, however, became popular among handicraft artists during the Safavid era as a combination of the two arts of coppersmithing and Khatam.
In the following centuries, this composite art went into decline until the early 1950s, when Mohammad-Bagher Hakim-Elahi in Tehran started making decorative items such as beds, chandeliers, and tables using this art. The exquisite and unparalleled works of this master have found their way into the best museums in Iran and around the world.
Now that we are somewhat familiar with the history of this art, let’s move on to describing its execution method.
First of all, we must say that using copper instead of wood gives the artist more freedom in designing diverse vessels, as the advantage of copper metal is its high flexibility.
The appeal of this art, however, is not limited to the use of the flexible metal copper. An important point to consider is that Khatam-kari on copper is executed in two main forms.
In the first form, the entire surface of the artwork is covered with a Khatam pattern. In the second form, however, part of the copper is covered with Khatam, and parts of it are left without a pattern so that the beauty of the copper can be seen alongside the Khatam.
In the first form, you have a more luxurious product, and in the second, you are faced with an artwork that has visual diversity and less pictorial monotony.
In both forms, however, the artist uses beautiful Khatam motifs to decorate the copper vessels. These motifs may be floral designs, animal figures, or abstract patterns.
Now that we have a brief understanding of the distinctive features of this art compared to the traditional form of Khatam, we want to delve into its production method.
Let’s not forget that in this branch of handicrafts, animal bones or metal are delicately cut into geometric shapes to decorate the copper surface.
Like any other art, creating works in this branch of handicrafts requires raw materials. These raw materials include brass alloy, aluminum, brown, red, and cream-colored woods, camel or horse bone or artificial bones, green dye, and size glue for adhering the Khatam.
An interesting point is that in this art-industry, the bone is dyed before use.
Artisans in this field mix sal ammoniac, copper filings, and vinegar, and place the bones in it to be exposed to sunlight for six months. After this period, the bone turns green.
Of course, due to the scarcity of camel bone, sometimes orange wood is also colored using wool dyeing techniques.
Now that we are familiar with the raw materials of this art, let’s look at the method of producing its works.
The production of products related to this handicraft is done in several stages.
In the first stage, the Khatam pattern—made with brass wire and camel bone—is glued onto the copper.
The next stage is dedicated to polishing the copper vessels using a special wheel machine.
Finally, to make the product washable, the artists spray two layers of polyester on it. Of course, besides making it washable, polyester also helps prevent the item from getting stained or tarnished and ensures its luster is long-lasting.
Applications of Copper and Khatam Vessels
Now that we are familiar with the history and production method of the products of this art, let’s turn to their applications.
However, before that, we want to address why such works are valuable, regardless of their application.
The important point is that the value of such works lies in their artistic beauty, which is accompanied by a great deal of artistic authenticity.
Another significant issue is the therapeutic properties of such works. You surely know that it has been scientifically proven that copper has antibacterial and antifungal properties, and naturally, using such vessels contributes to maintaining your health.
Another noteworthy point about these vessels is their value as a financial asset. In fact, by buying such works, you are not buying a consumer good, but making a kind of economic investment, because the financial value of these vessels increases over time due to their artistic importance.
Despite all this, the value of these works is not limited to their therapeutic properties, artistic beauty, authenticity, heritage, and economic aspect. By acquiring such works, you also complete the practical items for your home or workplace.
We have designed various types of Khatam-inlaid copper vessels to beautify your gatherings.
You can put water and flowers in a Copper and Khatam sangab (large bowl) and place it at the center of your party.
To decorate your gatherings with beautiful flowers, you also have the options of using a Copper and Khatam sonboldan (hyacinth vase) or a pear-shaped Copper and Khatam vase.
You can also use a Copper and Khatam sugar bowl, a Copper and Khatam chocolate bowl, and a Copper and Khatam sweets dish when serving tea to your guests.
A Copper and Khatam nut bowl is suitable for serving nuts at your get-togethers, and you can use a Copper and Khatam pitcher to offer drinks to your loved ones.
If you want all your serving dishes to match, you can also opt for a complete Copper and Khatam service set.
Price of Khatam-kari Copper Vessels
Now that we understand that these vessels have both artistic and economic value, help maintain our health, and are practical for our gatherings, we want to see what factors determine their price.
First of all, it’s good to know that the advantage of Copper and Khatam vessels over Khatam on wood is their lower price.
This lower price allows a larger group of art lovers to acquire these artistic products.
However, the quality and, consequently, the price of Khatam-inlaid copper vessels are determined by various factors such as the complexity of the Khatam design, the size of the product, and the quality of execution.
It goes without saying that the smaller the product and the simpler the design you choose, the less money you will pay.
In fact, the larger the size of the vessel and the more intricate the delicacy of its details and designs, the higher its price will be.
Another influential parameter is the artist who created these artworks. The more famous and skilled the artist who made the works, the higher the product’s price will naturally be.
Other parameters are that the surface of the product must be smooth and polished, and its color must be uniform. On the other hand, the raw materials used must have achieved a degree of cohesion with each other.
Besides being uniform, the color of the product must also remain stable over time.
Artists in this branch of handicrafts must finish the surface of the product well so that signs of repair are not visible.
Another point relates to the importance of the symmetry of the geometric shapes and motifs. This symmetry is achieved by the artist’s attention to getting the sides and angles right. In fact, an artist active in this field must be proficient in carpentry to be able to cut the delicate woods into precise and equal dimensions.
The coloring and coating of the work must also be done skillfully to achieve a professional finish.
Wholesale of Copper and Khatam Vessels
Now that you are familiar with the factors affecting the price of this product, you have probably decided to buy it.
You can give Khatam-inlaid copper as a gift to your friends, relatives, family, or colleagues, or buy it for use in your own home or workplace.
If you are looking for a reference site for selecting, comparing, and buying products from this branch of handicrafts, we recommend Khadem-Mellat.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Khatam-inlaid copper emerge?
This art became popular as a combination of the two arts of coppersmithing and Khatam during the Safavid era. However, it went into decline in the following centuries until the early 1950s, when Mohammad-Bagher Hakim-Elahi in Tehran started making decorative items such as beds, chandeliers, and tables using this art.
What is the advantage of Khatam-inlaid copper over Khatam on wood?
Using copper instead of wood gives the artist more freedom in designing diverse vessels, as the advantage of copper metal is its high flexibility.
Another advantage of Copper and Khatam vessels over Khatam on wood is their lower price.
What are the values of Khatam-inlaid copper vessels?
The value of such works lies in their artistic beauty, artistic authenticity, therapeutic properties, their value as a financial asset, and their practicality.
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