Gach-bori: Persian carved stucco in architecture

Technique

Plaster is applied in layers and carved while still workable, using knives and gouges. Designs are often transferred from paper patterns. Deep undercutting creates strong shadows.

Famous examples

• Ilkhanid stucco mihrab of Oljeitu in the Isfahan Friday Mosque
• Seljuk and Ilkhanid friezes in Natanz, Qom and Isfahan
• Qajar ceilings and house interiors in Kashan

Seeing it today

Restored historic houses in Kashan and Yazd show extensive stucco. Restoration workshops train new craftspeople, and some make decorative panels for modern buildings.

A note on this guide

This is a general introduction written by the CraftPersia editorial team and has not yet been reviewed by a specialist. Workshop practice varies between towns and families; treat dates and figures as approximate and confirm details with makers, museums or published scholarship before relying on them.