Khatam Inlay: Persian Art in Wood and Metal in Verona
©2025 Shahmansouri, All rights reserved
Unique handmade pieces
Khatam (Inlay)
An artistic form for which Isfahan is world-renowned. Objects with a wooden structure embellished with thin inlaid strips of bone, wood, and metal become precious and unique. Examples of these artistic creations are caskets, cases, frames, canes, pipes, chessboards, and even furniture such as chairs and tables, which in themselves make important gifts to give and receive.
Making of the Khatam
Materials of different colors such as wood, bone, ivory, and metal are chosen. These materials are cut into thin strips or slats.
The strips are carved and cut precisely to form pieces of the desired shape, often in geometric shapes such as squares, triangles, or hexagons.
The cut strips are then woven and interconnected to create a geometric pattern. This process requires great attention to detail, as the strips must fit together perfectly to create a harmonious design.
Magnification of a fine Khatam workmanship
Magnification of a fine Khatam work
After weaving the strips, they are glued together to form a continuous panel.
Once the Khatam panel has been completed, it is subjected to careful sanding to make the surface smooth. Afterwards, it can be polished to achieve a shiny and reflective appearance.
The finished Khatam panels are used to decorate a variety of objects, such as boxes, trays, frames, and jewelry.
Khatam Inlay BoxFine Khatam craftsmanship on a wooden chest, multiple inlay techniques in the same structure.
Khatam Inlay Box
Fine Khatam workmanship on a wooden chest, multiple inlay techniques in the same structure.
©2025 Shahmansouri, All rights reserved