Persian metal inlay: a guide to gold and silver on steel and brass

Two main methods

In true inlay, a groove is cut and wire is hammered into it. In overlay (similar to koftgari), the surface is cross-hatched and fine wire is beaten onto it. Overlay is quicker and wears more easily.

Where you'll see it

Safavid and Qajar steelwork, weapons, astrolabes, pen-cases and bowls. Isfahan remains a centre of contemporary decorative metalwork.

Identifying the method

• Inlay sits flush and feels smooth
• Overlay shows faint cross-hatching where wire has lifted
• Gold leaf or paint wears to a flat, patchy surface
• A loupe helps you see channel walls in genuine inlay

Care

Dust with a soft brush; never polish with abrasives, which strip inlay. Keep steel dry to prevent rust; a very thin microcrystalline wax is used by conservators.

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.