Minakari, the Art of Enameling as a Persian Handicraft

Minakari or Meenakari is one of the main handicrafts of Isfahan. This art is also known as enameling. While exploring the traditional Bazaars of Isfahan, you can see beautiful blue vases and wares exhibited in the shops. Interestingly, there are different types of this art in Iran. Among these, the Minakari of Isfahan comes in colors such as azure, cyan, and turquoise. Color is not the only thing that these works are famous for. Accordingly, arabesque and floral patterns are the most famous patterns in the works of enamel in Isfahan. In this post, we will be talking about this art and its origin. Also, we will be talking about the process of making this art.

What Makes Minakari Special Among Other Persian Handicrafts?

Many Persian arts specialize in adorning the surface of objects. These objects range from wooden objects to clay objects, and metal wares. Minakari among these is the art of decorating the surface of metal objects. However, these metal objects go through a long process before they are painted. In the end, you will not even realize that there is a metal object under the coats of paint and patterns. Now, what makes Persian enameling so special among other Persian arts? To answer this question Arthur Upham Pope, a famous American archeologist says that: Meenakari is the magical art of fire and earth.

A traveler practicing Minakari in a shop located in Isfahan

You can experience Minakari first hand as a tourist in Isfahan in places like Narcis Complex.

Minakari During the History

This specific form of handicraft dates back to about 1500 BC. Most researchers agree on the fact that Persian enameling and its origin belong to the land of Persia. However, there are several examples of it around the world. It is safe to assume that these works were influenced by Persian enameling. Most works of Persian Minakari belong to the Seljuk era in Iran (11 th century). Accordingly, this was the height of this art in Iran. However, there are lots of examples of it belonging to eras before and after the Seljuk era. For example, during the Timurid era, these works were influenced by eastern and Mongol arts. The Safavid era brought new designs such as scenes of hunting to this art. After that, during the Qajar era, this art expanded. Accordingly, it was done on more objects such as pots, earrings, and more. Finally, during the Pahlavi era and the contemporary era, it continued to be a famous Persian art among Iranian artists.

Persian Enameling in Isfahan

The Meaning Behind the Designs & Color Patterns of Meenakari

There is a vast world behind the types and different designs of enamel. In its origin, the patterns on a work of Minakari should remind you of paradise. Accordingly, all the floral designs and bird patterns are reminiscent of heaven. Other designs in these works are arabesque and symmetrical patterns. The different types of it around Iran are:

• Embossed Mina (known as Barjast-e Mina) that has engravings filled with glaze.
• Chess-like Mina (known as Khaneh Bandi) is a rare kind.
• Painted Meenakari (known as Mina Naghashi) is a famous type of practice in Isfahan.

Minakaree Art

Making Process of Minakari

Before the contemporary era, the works of Minakari were done on gold surfaces. Also, the colors artists used to paint the surface were all natural. Today, these works are mostly done on copperware with industrial colors. However, some of these industrial colors have gold, making these handicrafts more valuable. Overall, the object is glazed three times with white glaze before painting the surface. the overall making process is:

1. Shaping and bending the copper object
2. Cleaning and preparing the object for glaze
3. Preparing the glaze
4. Putting the object in the furnace
5. Preparing the paint
6. Painting on the glazed surface
7. Putting the work in the furnace for the second time
8. Coating the object with a thin layer of glaze
9. Putting the work in the furnace for the third time
10. Starting the process of Painting the Mina
11. Putting the work in the furnace for the last time

How To Take Care of Works of Meenakari?

An excellent work of enamel goes through several processes of glazing and cooking before it’s done. In this way, it is one of the pieces of art that you can have for a long time. For keeping it in the best condition, you can follow these tips:

• Clean its surface with warm water and a soft sponge
• Keep it away from sharp objects
• Make sure it is not near any source of heat

Where Can I Purchase the Works of Minakari In Isfahan?

There are two famous Bazaars in Isfahan where you can find shops and workshops. The main Bazaar is the traditional Bazaar of Qeysarieh and the other one is Hassan Abad Bazaar. These two Bazaars are fairly in the vicinity of each other. Before purchasing a work of Persian enamel make sure it has the artist’s signature on it. Also, check for a clean surface and even the thickness of colors. You can also purchase it as a gift or souvenir that will last you a lifetime and even more.