Craft comparison

Under review

Sermeh-duzi vs Brocade weaving (Zari-bafi)

سرمه‌دوزی · زری‌بافی

Sermeh-duzi: A metal-thread embroidery technique in which fine gold or silver wire, or wire-wrapped thread, is couched onto velvet or other heavy cloth to create raised, reflective patterns, historically used on ceremonial garments and furnishings. Brocade weaving (Zari-bafi): A figured silk weaving technique in which supplementary wefts, often including gold- or silver-wrapped thread, create pictorial or floral designs on a silk ground.

Side by side

Sermeh-duziBrocade weaving (Zari-bafi)
Persian nameسرمه‌دوزیزری‌بافی
CategoryTextiles · Metal-thread embroideryTextiles · Metal-thread brocade
Materialsmetal-thread, silk, cottonsilk, metal-thread
Techniquesmetal-thread-couchingsupplementary-weft-brocade
Regionsisfahan, kermankashan, isfahan
Periodsqajar, pahlavi, contemporarysafavid, qajar, contemporary
Motifseslimi-arabesque, boteh, shah-abbasigol-o-morgh, shah-abbasi
Current vitalityAt riskEndangered

What they share

  • Materials: metal-thread, silk
  • Regions: isfahan
  • Motifs: shah-abbasi
  • Periods: qajar, contemporary

How to tell them apart

  • Materials such as cotton point towards Sermeh-duzi.
  • Sermeh-duzi typically involves metal-thread-couching.
  • Brocade weaving (Zari-bafi) typically involves supplementary-weft-brocade.
  • The stated place of making is a useful clue, but never proof on its own.

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Disclaimer

This comparison is educational and built from entries still under review. It cannot confirm what a particular object is.