Meenakari Handicrafts

Walking through the traditional bazaars of Isfahan, especially those in Naghshe Jahan Square, something that probably attracts you the most with its eye-catching color is Mina; metals, tiles, and pieces of jewelry stunningly painted, colored, and decorated with beautiful colors and patterns. The combination of colors is so glamorous that you cannot stand watching and admiring it. Blue is one of the fundamental colors in Iranian art and architecture. There are different blues in Persian handicrafts and objects with Meenakari, have a dark or light blue background with colorful miniature patterns on. Usually, metals such as gold, silver, and copper as well as tiles and jewelry are enameled by Mina (or Meena) since these are the objects that tolerate the heat needed to stabilize Mina on the surface. The most used metal in today’s Meenakari in Isfahan is copper. Plates, bowls, pitchers, flower pots, vases, boxes, candleholders, ashtrays, wall decors as well as jewelry such as necklaces, earrings, and bracelets are the most popular handicrafts with Meenakari you can find in Isfahan traditional stores.

History and Materials

Meenakari (or Minakari) is one of the most ancient Persian arts and its history goes back to 1500 B.C. In many countries the art of Meenakari is being practiced; however, the oldest existing Meenakari handicrafts prove the claim that the art of Meenakari was first founded in Iran. The colors used in this art, are not easily obtained. Actually, they are powdered metal oxides mixed with glass material. Today, the colors are mostly chemical while the colors used in the past had herbal and mineral sources. Therefore, Meenakari has a long complicated making process which is a mixture of art and science in addition to a great deal of precision and craftsmanship.

The Persian Art of Meenakari

The Meenakar artisans have all spent a lot of time learning and practicing to do the job. Some of them mix Meenakari with other Persian arts such as Khatamkari, Gliding, and Miniature Painting. You probably can imagine that the results are valuable masterpieces which are not simply found and sold in the stores. It should be mentioned that shops and museums are not the only places you can find Meenakari. In many historical places such as mosques, palaces, tombs, etc. you can see Meenakari on the walls, ceilings, columns, and ornaments. 

A Great Souvenir

Watching the places and objects decorated with Persian art of Minakari is so delightful and inspiring that even the citizens of Isfahan never get tired of wandering in traditional bazaars and watching them enthusiastically. Tourists also enjoy the art of Minakari very much and purchase Minakari handicrafts as souvenirs. You can easily find various kinds of Minakari in bazaars of Naghshe Jahan Square. There is no doubt that it is a great choice since you cannot find the Persian Minakari with this elegance and beauty anywhere else in the world!