Iranian arts and crafts need no introduction, their excellence
being amply demonstrated by priceless objects in museum throughout
the world. Carpet and textile weaving, ceramic and clay work,
blown glass, wood and stone work have a history in this country
of over twenty-five centuries.
Functional as decorative, Iranian articrafts hold strong appeal
for their elegant simplicity and their rich variety in from and
color.
The best silver and copperware come from Isfahan. Inlaid work
is a Shiraz specialty although that from Isfahan and Tehran is
also excellent. Shiraz produces incomparable marquetries , Inlaid
mosaics in wood, and picture frames. Isfahan excels in metalwork
and textiles. Hamadan displays its famous blue-glazed pottery
and ceramics. Persian miniatures of traditional scenes painted
by hand on mother-of-pearl, bone, enamel or papier mache, are
cherished souvenirs of many travelers. Bargaining is an old practice
and maybe tried by the visitor, especially in the bazaars.
PERSIAN CARPET
Throughout history, oriental carpets have enjoyed a universal
reputation because of their craftsmanship and quality, and the
most prized have been those originating in Iran.
The birth of carpet industry can be dated as far back as the Achaemenian
age ( 559-331 BC ). A fine example of carpet making from this
period was discovered in the tomb of a Pasyrik ruler in southern
Siberia by Russian Orientalist Professor Rodneko in 1924, preserved
by natural refrigeration and now in the Leningrad Museum, It is
the oldest known Persian rug.