Best Handicrafts in Isfahan for Souvenirs | Different Kinds & Where to Buy

Isfahan, among other cities in Iran, is famous for its art and culture throughout history. That is why one of the best souvenirs to get from Isfahan is its handicrafts. On top of that, Isfahan was chosen as the World Craft city in 2015. For this reason, most tourists choose Isfahan for purchasing a piece of Persian Handicraft. The handicrafts of Isfahan range from Pottery, Copper Work, and Wood Work to Brass Work and Silverware. However, there are handicrafts such as Qalam Kari and Carpet Weaving that Isfahan is most famous for. In this article, we will discuss Isfahan’s most notable art and handicrafts. Also, we will be talking about the best places you can buy these handicrafts and more.

Why Are Isfahan Handicrafts Famous?

For centuries, Isfahan has been the city of art and craft. Like many other cities in Iran, Isfahan also offers unique and fine examples of handicrafts. It is as if each city in Iran is famous for a piece from a vast world of Persian art. One of the main arts practiced in Isfahan is the art of Tile Working. This is reflected in the historic monuments around the city such as Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Sheikh Lutfullah Mosque, and Jameh Mosque of Isfahan. Handicrafts such as carpets are famous in many cities in Iran. However, the quality and unique designs of Isfahan handicrafts are known worldwide and even in European markets. Most of these crafts have been around for more than 5 thousand years ago.

Handicraft Shop in Isfahan Bazaar

History Of Art and Handicrafts In Isfahan

Isfahan was the capital of several dynasties throughout the history of Iran. It became the capital of Iran for the second time during the Safavid dynasty around the 16^th century. This was when Isfahan was at the height of its glory. The arts and culture of Isfahan flourished during this time. Accordingly, it continued all through the Safavid era to the Qajar era and even the present day. Generations after generations continued the art that was passed down to them. That is why, while exploring the handicraft workshops of Isfahan, you can see families continuing the art that their grandfathers and mothers once started.

Different kinds of Isfahan Handicrafts

As we mentioned earlier, the city of Isfahan was chosen as the World Craft city in 2015. The handicraft of Isfahan including both the art and workshops is one of the main attractions of the city.  Here, we will be introducing the most notable of many Isfahan handicrafts.

1. Isfahan Carpet

The Persian Carpet is one of the most famous handicrafts of Iran. Each corner of Iran, especially nomadic regions, has its unique style of carpet weaving and designs. Isfahan, among these cities and cultures, is considered one of the main centers of carpet weaving. Different cities in Isfahan province such as Kashan, Meymeh, and Naein are each famous for quality and special Persian carpets. For example, the art of carpet weaving in Kashan dates back to more than three thousand years ago. Isfahan carpets come in different styles, designs, and colors that represent different eras and schools of art. Isfahan Carpet is just a part of the vast world of Persian Carpets.  For more information about Persian Carpets, you can check out our blog posts or even try Carpet Tour in Isfahan.

Isfahan tapestry-woven textiles (Gelim)

2. Qalam Zani (Metal Engraving)

Qalamzani is one of the ancient arts of crafting in Isfahan. This type of engraving is done on a range of metal surfaces such as silver, copper, and brass. The Qalamzani artists are called Qalamzan. They engrave beautiful and poetic designs of flowers and birds on metal. Also, they engrave words from poems and Quranic verses on the metal products. Most of these metal products include trays, vases, and bowls which are used for decoration. While exploring the Bazaar of Qeysarieh in Naqsh-e Jahan Square, you can hear the sound of a pen hitting copper. If you follow the sound, they will lead you to the Qalamzani workshops of Isfahan. At these workshops, you can watch the process of making these handicrafts. Also, if you want to purchase a work of Qalamzani, the workshops are one of the best options.

Qalam Zani in Isfahan

3. Mina Kari (Metal Enameling)

Another handicraft of Isfahan that is done on metal is Mina Kari. However, Mina Kari is far different from other metal works such as Qalam Zani. This handicraft is famous for its vibrant range of blue colors and symmetric designs. In some regions of Iran, you can find the works of Mina Kari. However, Isfahan is the only center of this art. It is worth mentioning that there are different types of Minakari and Isfahan is famous for Painted-Mina Kari (Mina Naqashi). Today, Mina Kari is done on copper vessels such as vases and plates. However, this art is also for adorning jewelry, doors, and windows. Also, it can be done on different types of metal such as gold and silver. In Mina Kari, after glazing the surface of the product, they color it with special mixtures of colors. The product is then put in special ovens. This process is repeated for a few times before the work is fully ready.

Try Mina Kari in Isfahan

4.Khatam (Persian Marquetry)

Aside from metal works, there is a range of handicrafts that are done on wood. Khatam is one of the most famous woodworks of Isfahan. It is a very delicate technique of ornamenting geometrical patterns on wood and products. Interestingly, the wooden products are not carved. Accordingly, the geometric patterns and motifs are attached to the outsides and insides of the products. These motifs are made of ivory, bone, wood, and brass wires. You can see works of Khatam mostly on jewelry boxes and Quran cases. Just like other handicrafts of Isfahan, you can see many Khatam workshops around Isfahan Bazaar.

5. Qalam Kari (Persian Calico)

It is easy to confuse Qalam Kari and Qalam Zani together. However, these two handicrafts are very much different. Accordingly, Qalam Zani, as we explained above, is the art of engraving on metal surfaces. Qalam Kari, on the other hand, is the art of printing designs on different types of cloth. This type of printing is not done with machines but rather with special woodblocks. For making a work of Qalam Kar, first, a pattern is carved on a piece of woodblock. Then, the woodblock is colored with natural dyes. The artists, then, press the woodblock on a cloth to make rows of traditional motifs. The Qalam Kar products range from tablecloths and bedspreads to cushion coverings. Interestingly, in ancient times they used to put the works of Qalam Kar for 5 days in Zayandeh Rud River in Isfahan. Doing this would fix the colors of the work. This is one of the reasons why Isfahan is today the main center of this art.

Qalam Kari

6. Firozeh Kobi (Turquoise Inlay)

While exploring the grand Bazaar of Isfahan, you will come across some vases that catch the eye with their turquoise color. This type of handicraft is done on metal products such as copper, brass, bronze, and silver. For Turquoise Inlay, the artists put small pieces of precious stones in turquoise color on metal vessels. Overall, it is a kind of mosaic work on metal pieces and even jewelry. Aside from vases and jewelry, the artists also decorate plates and other everyday utensils.

7. Other Handicrafts of Isfahan

There are a thousand handicrafts that you can find in Isfahan. Accordingly, from the main handicrafts of Isfahan that we explained, lots of other types of handicrafts have branched. Other handicrafts of Isfahan include:

• Miniature (Persian Minatare Paintings)
• Mesgari (Copperware including utensils and decorative works)
• Monabat Kari (low to high-relief Persian wood carving)
• Moarragh (Persian Wood Mosaic)
• Calligraphy
• Ceramics and Pottery
• Embroidery

Where is the best place to buy handicrafts and souvenirs in Isfahan?

Naqsh-e Jahan Square and the traditional Bazaar of Qeysarieh are the best places to find handicraft workshops and stores. you can find many workshops for different styles and designs of Handicrafts and Carpets. Overall, in the vicinity of historic monuments and old Bazaars, you can find the best quality of handicrafts.

More about Isfahan Souvenirs

Aside from Handicrafts, there are more affordable options for buying souvenirs. This is when the edible souvenirs of Isfahan are introduced. Most edible souvenirs are sweet. The most famous of the is Isfahan’s Gaz. There are different types of famous brands for Gaz and other edible souvenirs. For more information about Isfahan Edible Souvenirs, check out our blog posts.

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