Buying qalam-zani engraved metalwork

Grades of work

• Fine work: dense, deep chasing with many tool types
• Medium: clear design, shallower lines
• Souvenir work: sparse, shallow, quickly finished

Check before buying

• Run a finger over the surface: deep work feels textured
• Look for a maker's signature or stamp
• Check that inner surfaces are tinned if for food use
• Avoid lacquered pieces if you plan to polish

Care

Clean brass and copper gently; silver needs a soft silver cloth. Never use harsh dips that fill engraved lines with residue.

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.