To mark 70 years of diplomatic relations between India andIran, an exhibition brings Iranian handicrafts, calligraphy, pottery, metalworks and photographs to Delhi.
The three-day exhibition organised by Iran Cultural House iscurrently open at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) here.It showcases specimens of key Iranian Islamic art oeuvre.
The extensive show aims to introduce traditional crafts ofthe country, and find common denominators with India.
On view are works of Minakari or enamelling, which is thedecoration of metal or tile with brilliantly-coloured glaze. The technique wasinvented by ancient Iranian craftspeople, and it then spread to othercountries, including India.
Many of the works have a intricately-designed blue glaze.
‘Sofalgari’ or unglazed baked earthenware — also called’biscuit pottery’ — is also on display at the exhibition.
Examples of coppersmithery, called ‘megsari’, find space inthe exhibition as well. ‘Samavars’, or metal utensils to boil tea in mostPersianAhomes, can also be seen.
Islamic art enthusiasts can also see ‘khatam kari’ workwhich is a technique of incrustation, and ‘moaragh’ or wood inlaying.
The exhibition closes Friday.