Sahhafi: Persian bookbinding traditions

Structure

Classic Persian bindings have a fore-edge flap that folds over the front cover to protect the text block. Covers are pasteboard faced with leather or lacquer.

Decoration

• Blind- or gold-stamped central medallions and corner pieces
• Filigree cut-leather doublures on fine bindings
• Painted lacquer covers, especially in the Qajar period

Today

Restoration studios in Tehran, Mashhad and Qom keep binding skills alive, and some bind contemporary calligraphy and poetry books by hand.

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.