Ghalamzani (Metal Engraving)

The art of Ghalamzani narrates the history of Iran.

A winged deity is mounted on a chariot, and a bull pulls the chariot.

This is the motif on the Hasanlu Cup, one of the oldest examples of this art in Iran, made 1200 years before the advent of Islam.

In this text, we will speak of the history and the present day of this art. Join us.

Ghalamzani on Copper

Ghalamzani, as its name suggests, means engraving lines and motifs with the help of a chisel (ghalam) and the strike of a hammer on metals such as gold, copper, silver, and brass.

The Hasanlu Cup and the Marlik Cup are examples of this art executed on gold.

The execution of this artistic method on silver became popular during the Parthian era.

One of the most beautiful examples of Ghalamzani on copper is a copper sangab (large bowl) made by Mohammad Mehdi Babakhani, which is located at the entrance of the World Intellectual Property Organization in Switzerland.

In the following, we will focus primarily on engraving on copper metal based on the techniques of this art.

Isfahan Ghalamzani

First of all, we want to point out the distinction between Isfahan’s Ghalamzani on copper and the two styles of Shiraz and Tabriz.

First, we will discuss the Shiraz style. This style is executed in two ways: fine-chisel work (Rizeh-ghalam) and embossed or repoussé (Monabbat).

The fine-chisel method is performed on silver, copper, and brass and was popular until the Qajar period.

In the repoussé or embossed method, which became popular in Shiraz during the Qajar rule with inspiration from the Achaemenid style, Sassanian, Achaemenid, and “flower and bird” motifs were executed on silver or copper.

In the embossed style, deep, three-dimensional reliefs are created. This style of copper Ghalamzani has also become common in Isfahan in recent years.

The distinction between the Tabriz and Isfahan styles is determined by the method of executing the motifs. In the Tabriz style, the chisel is moved by the pressure of the wrist, while in Isfahan, it is moved by hammer strikes.

The result is that the motifs on Tabrizi works are smooth and shallow, whereas the motifs of Isfahan Ghalamzani are deeper.

Another method of executing these artworks is latticework (Moshabak-kari). In this method, the background is neither textured as in fine-chisel work, nor flattened as in embossed work; instead, the background is completely cut away from the metal surface.

This method is used to create products such as lampshades, lanterns, incense burners, and covers for bottles and vases.

Ghalamzani Design and Process

Now that we have mastered the distinction between the three main styles of this art, we want to describe the execution method of Isfahan’s Ghalamzani handicrafts in more detail.

In this art, the method is to first fill the back of the silver, gold, or copper surface that is to be engraved with a mixture of tar and plaster.

The purpose of this is to create a kind of insulation to reduce the sound of the chisel, while also preventing the vessel from being punctured during work.

To coat the surface with tar, solid tar is melted and applied in layers to the back of the product to form a thick coat.

In the next step, the Ghalamzan artist draws their desired design on paper with a pencil and then perforates the main lines with a needle. They then place the paper on the metal surface and tap a pounce bag over the paper so that the ink passes through the perforated parts of the paper onto the metal surface.

Although this method transfers the initial sketch onto the metal, to make the design more visible, a white slurry is poured over the design area to make the lines clearer.

Now it is time to execute the initial design. Our artist selects the appropriate chisel based on the type of motif. In the next step, they place the chisel on the surface of the vessel and strike the end of it with a hammer. This method creates grooves on the metal, and motifs are formed.

Naturally, the greater the force of the strike on the vessel, the deeper the motifs will be.

Creating motifs on metal also has several stages.

First, the main lines are carved using a lining tool (Nim-bor) or a chisel, and then the backgrounds are decorated with various metal chisels.

Finally, surface finishing (Rusazi) occurs. To do this, decorative patterns are engraved onto the main motifs using patterned chisels.

In the final stage, the tar is removed from the metal, the grooves are coated with charcoal powder, and the vessel is polished with black polishing oil.

This causes the motifs created by the chisel strikes to appear as dark lines.

Now that we are familiar with the method of making these works, we will talk about the designs that are executed on them.

Let’s not forget that most artists in this field execute their own designs, but some also use the designs of others or pre-made patterns.

The motifs of this art have also evolved throughout history due to religious and cultural changes. For example, before Islam, engraving motifs related to Iranian mythology was common, while in the post-Islamic era, the use of Kufic script and verses and hadiths became prevalent.

However, latticework, Shah Abbasi flower-and-bush, Eslimi (arabesque), Khatai, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, repoussé, animal figures, hunting scenes, flower-and-bird, Persian poetry, and verses and hadiths are very common in the modern form of this art.

Isfahan Ghalamzani Vessels

Now that we are familiar with the execution method and motifs of this art, we want to tell you about the diverse products of this artistic field.

One of the most beautiful and common products related to this art is the Ghalamzani plaque. The execution of beautiful motifs inspired by Iranian painting in these plaques makes for an exquisite gift to give to your loved ones.

A Ghalamzani tray and a Ghalamzani plate are also like an embossed painting full of details, and immersing yourself in their motifs will enrich the hours you spend at home or at work.

To beautify the interior design of your living space or home, you can opt for a Ghalamzani bowl, a Ghalamzani vase, or a Ghalamzani wheat stalk holder (sonboleh-dan).

A Ghalamzani gaz (nougat) dish, a Ghalamzani sugar bowl, and a Ghalamzani chocolate bowl are suitable for serving at your tea parties. To brew tea for these parties, you can put the dry tea in a Ghalamzani tea canister and the boiling water in a Ghalamzani samovar.

A Ghalamzani mirror and candelabra set is suitable for the special trousseaus of new brides.

With a Ghalamzani pitcher, you can offer cool drinks to your loved ones. Put the nuts for your parties in a Ghalamzani decorative till (dakhl) and arrange the fruits in a Ghalamzani sangab (large bowl).

Price of Engraved Copper Vessels

Now that we are familiar with the various products of this art, we want to address the factors affecting the price of Ghalamzani vessels.

The price of Ghalamzani is determined by the quality of the copper metal, the size of the product, the type of design and motif, and the strength of the execution technique.

In fact, the more complex and unique the motifs used by the artist, the higher the price of Ghalamzani on copper.

Another important factor that determines the price of Isfahan Ghalamzani is the quality of the copper metal used in the product.

The issue is that a larger product that features a stronger execution technique also has a higher price.

Make sure that the products you buy are produced with high quality.

For example, the tar should be cleaned off it, the product should not be punctured, and it should have uniform soldering.

Also, pay attention to the uniformity and consistent size of the motifs.

Wholesale of Ghalamzani

Now that we are familiar with the factors affecting the price of these artworks, we want to see what options are available to us for obtaining such products.

You surely know that to obtain such exquisite products, it is best to visit the city that produces the best examples of such goods: Isfahan.

You can visit handicraft stores to buy these artistic goods both online and in person.

Sale of Ghalamzani Products on Copper

Although it is possible to obtain these products from various stores, consider buying your desired item from established brands that care about product quality.

Khadem-Mellat is one of the strong and long-standing brands in the field of handicrafts. This valuable brand is renowned among traditional arts activists for its quality and authenticity, and purchasing from it can be completely reliable.

By visiting our site, you can select and purchase your desired product.

We will pack and ship these products for you at the earliest opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

On what metals is Ghalamzani performed?

This art involves engraving lines and motifs with the help of a chisel and hammer on metals such as gold, copper, silver, and brass.

In how many styles is Isfahan Ghalamzani on copper executed?

This art is executed in three styles: Isfahan, Shiraz, and Tabriz.

What designs are executed on Ghalamzani vessels?

The motifs of this art have evolved throughout history due to religious and cultural changes, but latticework, Shah Abbasi flower-and-bush, Eslimi (arabesque), Khatai, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, repoussé, animal figures, hunting scenes, flower-and-bird, Persian poetry, and verses and hadiths are very common in the modern form of this art.

Which Ghalamzani products are more common?

Plaques, trays, plates, bowls, vases, wheat stalk holders, gaz (nougat) dishes, sugar bowls, chocolate bowls, tea canisters, samovars, mirror and candelabra sets, pitchers, decorative tills, and large bowls (sangab) are common types of these products.

What factors determine the price of Ghalamzani?

The quality of the copper metal, the size of the product, the type of design and motif, and the strength of the execution technique affect the price of this item.