INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
TEHRAN-- Islamic Azad University played host to a workshop on handmade decorations and fashion jewelry on Tuesday.The workshop was aimed to
take a new look at the art of filigree, which Zanjan is famed for, according to Zanjan provinces tourism chief.The workshop was the very
first of its kind in Zanjan as it covered special knowledge, self-employment, and self-training skills along with entrepreneurship
essentials with a make over at the art of filigree, Seyyed Saeid Safavi said.Filigree is among the most crucial applied arts in the central
It is a kind of metalworking, and researchers have traced it back to 550-330 BC.The tools used to make the filigree are really similar to
The first step in making filigree is to put stocks of silver, gold, or copper through a rolling mill to turn them into thin wires about one
to two millimeters thick.Then two or 3 threads are twisted together to form chains or gone through a roller, giving them sharp edges
The mold of the preferred shape is then made by putting thick strips of metal around a cast iron or iron base
Then the iron base is heated up and a layer of wax is applied to it
The wax is utilized to hold the small pieces of great thread together.Now the mold is put on the iron base, and the little pieces of wire
are positioned according to a nice style
Finally, the iron base is heated up again to melt the wax
The work is separated from the base
A mixture of borax and silver powder is then poured in and they are heated till the mix melts and complies with the silver coins
Silver becomes dull and loses its appeal
It is then washed with acetic acid and polished.Many detailed artifacts have actually been found in the UNESCO-designated treasuries of
Susa, Dura-Europos, Hamedan, and Jeyhoun, showing that this craft has actually been practiced considering that ancient times.There are very
few historic records of Zanjan filigree work, however explorers who visited the city pointed out stunning filigree crafts and jewelry.Based
on these data, the 16th century is the earliest recorded history of watermarking
Today, most filigree products are made from silver, which is acquired by melting old and obsolete silver items
Some other components used are natural wax, aqua regia, alum, and sulfuric acid.Today, gold filigree is utilized to make precious jewelry
such as earrings, rings, etc, while silver filigree is used to make dishes
The most typical motifs used in the Zanjan watermark are paisley, ivy, and flowers.AFM
