Persian Kalamkar Hand-Blocked Tapestry Textile Isfahan

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An absolutely gorgeous example of the traditional Antique Persian hand-blocked tapestry textile.
Persian Kalamkar (Qalamkar or Ghalamkar) woodblock print textile … Read more An absolutely gorgeous example of the traditional Antique Persian hand-blocked tapestry textile.
Persian Kalamkar (Qalamkar or Ghalamkar) woodblock print textile is from the great city of Isfahan.
Gorgeous piece with very fine work that the creator had put in to make a complex design based on paisley and birds design in the middle and a border with a repeat design featuring a man and a ladies playing music and another lady pouring wine to the host who is enjoying the music.
Hand blocked vegetable and iron oxide dyes on cotton. The fabric is printed using patterned wooden stamps.
The colors are muted, blue, red, yellow and beige linen background.
Since it is block printed the design shows only in front, the back is plain linen.
From an estate in Beverly Hills CA dated circa1920-1921.
It has hand-braided fringes at the edges.
The condition is excellent.
Dimensions: 57” x 59” not including the 1/2” fringes.
This piece is light enough to hang on the wall, or it could serve as a table covering for a special mezza table, throw over the coah or bed cover. Regardless of how you decide to use it in your home or office, it is a magnificent piece of Persian style folk art.
Ghalamkar: The Art of Hand-Printed Textiles.
Qalamkari literally “pen-workmanship,” are block-printed and hand-painted cotton textiles that are used for wall-hangings, bed-coverings, table-coverings and other functions. Kalamkari is a form of Persian woodblock printed textile that originates from Esfahan in central Iran over 400 years ago.
The art of textile printing involves the manual application of color to fabric, resulting in intricate patterns and designs. In Isfahan, Iran, this traditional craft known as Ghalamkar thrives as both an artistic expression and a prominent trade. Skilled artisans utilize engraved wooden blocks to imprint patterns onto textiles, employing durable and rigid blocks typically crafted from pear tree wood.
The process begins by immersing the textiles in river water for a full day. Subsequently, they are treated with a paste made from pomegranate peel powder, granting them a creamy hue. Within the workshop, the artist initially prints the base patterns on the fabric using a black woodblock, after which an array of vibrant woodblocks is employed to add color to the designs. The textiles are then subjected to steaming, immersed in water, and stirred in a mixture of hot water, pomegranate peel, and alizarin. Finally, they are hung to dry, securing the vivid colors onto the fabric.
Cotton is the primary material used for these textiles, though historically, natural dyes derived from plants, animals, and minerals were utilized for printing patterns. However, due to the complexities of fixing natural dyes onto fabric, chemical dyes have become the preferred choice in modern times.
The art of engraving wooden blocks holds a significant place in Isfahan's cultural heritage. Regrettably, only a handful of craftsmen continue to practice this delicate art form today. The meticulous process of engraving intricate patterns onto a wooden block poses a challenge, requiring immense skill and precision.
The patterns found in Ghalamkar textiles are diverse and often draw inspiration from Persian miniature paintings. The desirability of the patterns increases with the level of talent and expertise demonstrated by the artist. Some common themes include historical landmarks, animals, miniatures, musicians, flowers and trees, depictions of renowned poets, ancient tales from Persian literature, and scenes depicting lovers.
The art of Ghalamkar textile printing has persisted in Isfahan since the Safavid dynasty and continues to flourish in the present day, embodying a rich legacy of craftsmanship and creativity.
Rugs and textiles possess a remarkable ability to forge connections with us, becoming cherished companions as we spend time appreciating them as works of art. It is awe-inspiring to contemplate the boundless talent and creativity of the individuals who crafted these pieces. Both men and women push their limits to fashion these marvelous objects, intended to captivate our eyes, touch our hearts, and stimulate our minds.
As passionate seekers of collectors who share our deep appreciation for the treasures we encounter during our travels, we derive immense joy from discovering and acquiring these objects, many of which have graced our personal collection. However, there comes a time when we must pass them on to new owners, allowing them to embark on their own adventures. We sincerely hope that as you spend time with and study these magnificent items, you will also come to cherish the love and individuality imbued by the talented artists who brought them to life.
Calico: The Ancient Craft of Iranian Fabric Painting
Calico, an ancient craft of Iran, enjoyed centuries of fame and prominence. Its popularity soared during the Mongol era in Iran when fabric painting, including Chinese painted fabric, gained significant market shares with the support of Mongol chiefs. In an effort to tap into this market, Iranians devised their own distinct painted fabric known as Calico.
Ghalamkar, also spelled as Qalamkaar or Qalamkar, is a type of textile printing that produces patterned Iranian fabric. This method involves the use of patterned wooden stamps to print designs onto the fabric. In India, a similar technique is known as Kalamkari, which encompasses both hand-painted and block-printed cotton textiles.
The term "Ghalamkar" originates from the Persian words "ghalam" (pen) and "kari" (craftsmanship), signifying the art of drawing with a pen. Additionally, the term "čīt" refers to cotton cloth adorned with block-printed or painted designs in multiple colors. This term made its way into the English language as "chintz," now commonly used to describe any cotton or linen furnishing fabric printed with floral designs in fast colors. See less