My 12 day stay in Isfahan - Day 6 (morning) - Isfahan - The Museum of Decorative Arts - The 2nd of December 2017

 

 

I took the opportunity to visit the Museum of Decorative Arts, given the interest of the showcased artefacts and the whole history behind some of the craftsmanship involved, which was provided in written form and allowed me to learn quite a lot on textiles and the traditional Iranian embroidery, as well as weaving and sewing together with brocaded and silken clothes which are believed to have become famous during the Omavid and Abbassi eras.
I was also introduced to copper and metal work, miniature painting as in accordance to a varied number of schools and techniques, lacquer and cover making, especially the one applied to pen-cases.

 

Museum of Decorative Arts'facade (left). Contemporary enamelled beaker and jar by master Ebrahim-e-Zarghoomi (right).

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I walked towards the jewellery section I noticed some frescoes on the walls, which having been maintained actually contributed to the overall artistic atmosphere.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contemporary silver vase in Sassanid style engraved by master Dehvani (left). Gem studded brass hand washing basin by master Karim - 17th century AD (right).

Silver and brass collyrium container - 19th century AD.

Contemporary decorative locks made by master Hassan.

Astrolabe with graduated disks for different purposes - 19th century.

Gem studded silver belts - 19th century AD.

Steel helmet and forearmband - 19th century.

Cloth printing blocks for calico work - 19th century AD.

I must confess I had been intrigued by the calico work used in table cloths, covers, prayer rugs, bags and several other appliances, which had apparently been developed in India during the 4th century and later introduced in Iran in the Sassanid period. It involves patience and precision though the quality of the moulds and the colours, many of which still obtained from herbal pigments are still acountable for the quality of the final product. In 2014 I had bought a beautiful table cloth and this time a coat using the same type of technique.

Gem studded marquetry piece - 19th century AD.

Various inlaid and latticed sour yoghurt and syrup spoons - 20th century.

 

 

 

Inlaid, latticed and striated box depicting a fighting scenario between a lion and a dragon by master Zain-ol- Abedin Khonsari.

 

 

The area dedicated to calligraphy interested me even more though photographing the examples on display turned out to be very difficult because of the light.

Calligraphic anthology in shekasteh nastalig script by Mohammad Ali Esfahani with paintings by Aga Najaf Ali Esfahani - 19th century.

Laquer works by Ebrahim Hosseini Nematollahi - 19th century AD.

 

 

 

Oil painting detail of an Iman by the late master Ali Ebn Ebrahim Nagash- Bashi - 1926 AD.

Before walking into the other exhibition rooms which were by then filled with Art students, I strolled around a small patio garden as I relaxed for the new artistic discovery.

 

Gold stitched galloons onto an embroidered coat - 19th century AD.

 

 

 

Copper stitch work - 19th century (left). Traditionally sewn kohl case - 19th century AD (right).

 

 

 

I  left the Museum with the feeling of having thoroughly seen what there was to be seen and having really enjoyed it.

 

 



(To be continued)