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Technique

Chisel engraving (qalam-zani)

قلم‌زنی

A pitch-filled metal vessel is worked from the outside with small chisels struck by hammer, raising line and texture rather than removing much metal.

Process, step by step

  1. Raise or spin the vessel and anneal it.
  2. Fill the interior with pitch for support.
  3. Transfer the design onto the surface.
  4. Outline with a tracing chisel, then work grounds and textures.
  5. Melt out the pitch and clean the piece.
  6. Patinate or polish to finish.

Variations

Named grounds and textures differ between Isfahan and Tabriz workshops; depth of relief distinguishes hand work from stamped imitation.

Conservation

Avoid abrasive polish, which rounds chisel edges and flattens the design.

Used in these crafts

Qalam-zani

The Iranian tradition of decorating copper, brass and silver vessels with small chisels struck by hammer, working the metal into line, ground and relief.