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Isfahan Minakari Enamel

ProMax

Minakari is the vitreous enamelwork of Isfahan — "mina," the azure of heaven — in which powdered glass is fused onto copper or gold at 750–850°C. Its field is a deep lapis cobalt, over which gold-line arabesque and gol-o-morgh (bird-and-flower) motifs are painted and re-fired to a jewel-bright gloss. This system carries that plate into the browser: saturated cobalt grounds bounded by fine gold cloisonné outlines, radial mandala rhythm, and enamel-red, turquoise and green blooms. Nothing is matte; nothing is cream except the small flower work.

Learn more about the Isfahan Minakari Enamel style

  • OriginIsfahan, Iran, Middle East
  • Periodc. 1650 Safavid Isfahan enamelling; a bazaar craft still practised today
  • DesignerHereditary Isfahan mina-kar enamel masters · Safavid bazaar workshop guilds
  • MovementsPersian minakari enamelling · Safavid gol-o-morgh decorative arts

Web examples

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Slide examples

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