Minakari; the Eternal Azure Heaven

Minakari

Minakari is the great art of soil and fire that makes a combination of a world of thousands of colors and designs stay on unique metal wares.

If you turn your glance from the sky to the blue tiles of the mosques, your eyes follow the trace of the azure heaven. In almost every store around Naqsh-e Jahan Square, great designs of dexterous Safavid artists glitters in Mina works. In other words, Minakari is the great art of soil and fire that makes a combination of a world of thousands of colors and designs stay on unique metal wares.

Minakari n Isfahan

Minakari, Art of Soil and Fire

The Old Isfahan

The everlasting floral designs date back to the great ancient civilizations. However, the exact date of this art is not definite. Two of the orientalists attribute it to Parthians and Sasanians. Furthermore, the fluctuation of interests in this art shows that it has always had its popularity among other types of arts. Also, Minakari reached its climax in Mogul dynasty and like other art forms descended in the Qajar era.

After stabilization of the white glaze on smithed-copper, it is time for the artist’s creative mind to convey arabesque designs with different colors on the blue background. Besides that, the Minakarists of Isfahan eternalize Arabesque designs of the azure domes tiling. The colors settle on the designs and shine like the domes.

Minakari Market Change

Traditionally, artists used mineral and herbal colors, but today artificial colors are also used.

Minakari Workshop in Isfahan

The original Mina works had a blue background. However, today green and red have come to the market. From decorative objects to tableware and jewelry, nowadays you can undoubtedly find enamel works with Minakari designs. Some of them combined with other kinds of art.