Iranian handmade products basics?

Iranian handicrafts have a rich and fascinating history that spans several millennia. These crafts are not only beautiful but also deeply rooted in the culture and heritage of Iran. Ancient Origins of Iran’s handmade products dates back thousands of years, even before the invention of writing, humans began engraving messages on rocks, showcasing their creativity and communication skills. Inspired by nature, early inhabitants of Iran mixed water and soil to create the first pottery, which served as a means to preserve food. With the spread of Islam, certain arts declined. After the Muslim conquest of Persia between 632 and 654 though not entirely, Islamic art has focused on the depiction of patterns and Arabic calligraphy, rather than human or animal figures.

 

Which Iranian handmade is recognised internationally?

Iran boasts a staggering 3000 different varieties of recognized handicrafts worldwide. Some of the most prominent ones include:

Persian pottery: Dating back to the early Neolithic Age, pottery-making has a rich tradition in Iran. wares.

Jewellery: Iran’s jewellery craftsmanship has a long legacy, with intricate designs and precious materials.

Carpet weaving: Persian carpets are renowned for their intricate patterns and vibrant colours.

Miniature painting: A delicate art form that graced manuscripts and illuminated texts.

Calligraphy: The elegant writing of Arabic and Persian scripts.

Metalwork: From copperware to silver and gold items, Iranian metalwork is exquisite.

Textiles: Traditional fabrics, including silk, wool, and cotton, are woven into beautiful textiles.

Tile work: Intricate tile mosaics adorn mosques, palaces, and historical buildings.

In summary, Iranian handicrafts are not just objects; they are a testament to the creativity, culture, and artistic spirit of a nation that has left an indelible mark on the world13.

 

How to Value, and originate Persian handmade products?

As we mentioned above, Iranian handmade products hold immense value due to their rich cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and uniqueness. Let’s explore how to evaluate them on merit basis:

Craftsmanship: The level of skill, precision, and attention to detail involved in creating the item. Persian artisans possess generations of knowledge and skill passed down through their families. Their expertise allows them to create intricate designs, harmonious color combinations, and flawless weaving patterns. The weaver’s experience directly influences the value of the final product. Exclusivity: Handmade products are one-of-a-kind or produced in limited quantities, making them special.

Materials: High-quality materials enhance value.

Cultural Significance: Items reflecting Iran’s rich history and traditions hold intrinsic value.

These meticulously crafted items reflect the skill, dedication, and time-intensive effort put into their creation such as Persian carpets which some times sold on international auctions for staggering prices, such as below:

(https://www.christies.com/en/search?entry=persia&page=1&sortby=relevance&tab=sold_lots)

 

Valuing a contemporary handmade Iranian piece involves several considerations. Whether it’s a rug, textile, or other craft, here are some key factors to assess its worth:

Handmade vs. Machine-Made: Determine if the item is handmade or machine-made. Handmade pieces are often more valuable due to the labor, skill, and uniqueness involve. Recently, some handmade products get help from machinery in different stages!

 

Quality of Materials: Consider the materials used. High-quality natural fabrics like wool, silk, gold, silver, and precious stones, enhance value. Handmade Persian rugs, for instance, rely on wool, silk and premium materials, avoiding synthetics. Less valuable carpets made from lower quality materials such as combination of wool and cotton.

 

Construction Technique: Hand-knotted rugs are prized for their durability and intricate patterns. Each knot is meticulously tied by skilled weavers, resulting in a lasting work of art.

 

Origin and Source: Rugs from renowned weaving centres like Tabriz, Isfahan, and Kashan in Iran hold historical importance. Unique weaving techniques associated with specific areas impact value. Persian turquoise comes from Razavi Khorasan Province. Radiocarbon dating suggests that turquoise beads found in burial sites from the Ali Kosh and Mohamad-Djaffar zones date back to 7000 BCE and 6500 BCE, respectively.

 

Design and Patterns: Intricate designs, motifs, and colours contribute to value. Contemporary pieces that honour traditional patterns may be highly sought after.

 

Age and Condition: Older pieces often carry more value due to their historical context. Assess wear, repairs, and overall condition.

 

Cultural and Historical Significance: Consider the story behind the piece. Does it reflect a specific era, region, or cultural influence? Artefacts with cultural relevance tend to be more valuable.

 

How entrepreneur created, developed and dealt with sources, and costs?

Entrepreneurial venture aims to enter the most private parts of people’s lives using decorative elements. These ventures exemplify how Persian artisans and entrepreneurs continue to innovate, preserve tradition, and share their craft with the world. Most common problems for crafts people in Iran are Sociocultural Barriers, Legal and Regulatory Hurdles, Access to Finance, Networking and Mentorship, Balancing Work and Family, Digital Literacy and Technology, and Economic Sanctions and Global Challenges. Despite these challenges, Iranian women entrepreneurs demonstrate resilience, creativity, and determination. They find innovative ways to thrive, adapt to changing circumstances, and contribute to their communities and the economy. You can see some of them at Gerdo.co.uk.

Iranian crafts continue to evolve, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation. The thinker-makers of contemporary Iran navigate this dynamic space, preserving heritage while embracing fresh perspectives. The term “handicraft” (sanaye-e dasti in Persian) has gradually shifted to the broader concept of “craft”. In other term, historical crafts were traditional arts revived in decorative forms, often preserved by professionals. However, The Industrial Revolution and Art and Craft movements further shaped local craft productions. Briefly, craft now encompasses both traditional and innovative forms, reflecting a fusion of heritage, modernity and Fine Art.

New market dynamics and social shifts have influenced Persian crafts. Iran’s Artisans now produce new types of objects while also reinterpreting familiar ones to sell. The interplay between deeply rooted traditions and emerging trends shapes the contemporary craft landscape.

 

How hard is marketing internationally, and average price to buy a Contemporary Persian handmade?

Some consumers perceive Persian handmade crafts as outdated or lacking in quality compared to modern alternatives. While the economic fluctuations and geopolitical tensions impact international trade, limited access to effective marketing channels and promotional platforms is a minus. Complex export regulations, customs procedures, and shipping logistics can be daunting. Competing countries are also promoting their traditional crafts.

The cost of Iranian handmade products can vary based on the type of craft, materials used, craftsmanship, and market demand. Handmade Persian Rugs can range from a few hundred dollars for smaller pieces to several thousand dollars for larger. Handcrafted jewelry, such as silver or gold pieces adorned with gemstones, varies widely in price. Unique designs and precious materials contribute to the cost. Persian ceramics, including decorative tiles, vases, and plates, come in different price ranges. The intricacy of patterns and glazing techniques affects the cost. Items like Termeh (a luxurious handwoven fabric) or Gelim Sozani (Sumak weaving) have varying prices based on size, complexity, and craftsmanship. Persian miniature paintings, intricate calligraphy, and other decorative arts are valued for their cultural significance and prices depend on the artist, size, and level of detail. Galamzani (metalwork), Khatam (inlaid woodwork), Minakari (enamel work), and Firouzehkubi (decorating wooden surfaces) all have their own price ranges.

 

What Gerdo.co.uk has done so far?

We at Gerdo UK, has created a market where all Persian Craft-people in the UK and Iran can be part of a family and give more prosperity to their business by creating a selling account in Gerdo.co.uk.

Anyone who produces valuable products in his home or workshop that can be present to others can have a booth at Gerdo UK. Products including Traditional clothing, decoration, handicrafts, and cultural products, home made sweets and etc.

Gerdo.co.uk has been tailored for all types of businesses, whether small and single product, whether large or wholesale of hand made items. Here, the exhibitors find their customers and the customers find their desired products.

Also, our efforts are to help buyers to see a wide variety of products that they may not be able to get easily due to distance and the crafts being hidden. The exhibitors will offer more and more diverse products.

At Gerdo.co.uk, buyers talk to crafts-men and crafts-women and make sure that the product is what they are looking for. Buyers leave product reviews, publish their own shopping experience, and these feedbacks are visible to other customers and can be a plumb line for others in this market, and have a great impact on improving the performance of the site and raising the quality of the sellers’ products, and the possibility of a better shopping experience.

 

Recommended sources to read:

https://www.craftestan.co.uk/the-art-of-persian-enamel-making-a-journey-through-history/

https://www.peopleareculture.com/persian-architecture/

https://www.lizhurleywrites.com/2015/06/17/persian-delights-iranian-art-and-architecture-bodfas-2/

https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/fall-2021-persian-turquoise-ancient-treasure-neyshabur

Wikipedia

Article Image from: https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/fall-2021-persian-turquoise-ancient-treasure-neyshabur