The Collection of Foreign Art of the Astrakhan Art Gallery includes items made in the traditional technique of engraving on copper called ghalamzani.
Artistic metalworking in Ancient Persia reached a high level of sophistication, and to this day, characteristic techniques and decorative motifs are often used by ghalamzani artists. Since ancient times, such decorative motifs feature traditional scenes of royal hunting by horseback and festivities at the court.
The technique of bronze inlay with non-ferrous metals, like silver and red copper, developed in the 11th–13th centuries. This technique was often combined with engraving and relief, becoming rather popular. Inlay highlighted details of the pattern and enriched the texture of the item with color.
Iran is renowned for its handmade products. For centuries, skilled artisans have perfected their craft, passing down the secrets of their trade from one generation to the next. Each type of folk art represents a product of centuries-old Iranian history and culture.
Ghalamzani is a type of engraving. This art has a long history. Unfortunately, there is no exact information about the origin of this craft, but it is known that it appeared in Iran about 4,000 years ago. Initially, ghalamzani was an art of engraving on copper. However, today craftsmen also use other metals such as gold, silver or brass.
It should be noted that often the artwork is more expensive than the precious metal itself — all thanks to the exceptional skill of the engravers. They could depict any image, ranging from simple patterns and images of birds and animals to complex historical scenes and plots from literature.
Before applying the design onto the item, the artist covers the metal surface with a special resin and chalk solution to ensure that it maintains its shape during the engraving process. The artist uses a specialized tool, a galyama, to engrave the image. When the drawing is applied, the resin solution is rinsed away, the grooves are rubbed down with charcoal, and the finished item is polished to enhance the clarity and brightness of the design.
