Vintage Persian Raj - Middle Eastern miniature art in beautiful khatam frame. Khatamkari is an ancient and unique art of multi-layering geometric patterns of wood & metal inlay on wood aka marquetry. This particular piece features three scholars in a lush ancient garden and is bordered by beautiful Eastern repeating patterns in bold colors. The frame is a unique shape for such work. The frame can of course be used for whatever photo or art you'd like to replace this one with. (A little history below)
CONDITION: No damage or repairs, some normal signs of usage - a little rubbing here and there. No missing pieces.
SIZE: The frame is 11 inches x 9 inches and the image is 6 6/8 inches x 4 6/8 inches
Buyer responsibilities: While I do my best to describe any potential flaws with equal attention to its attributes, please use the zoom feature to examine the item to make a determination if this meets your standards for vintage and antique items being offered. Email should you have any questions or require more information.
History of Khatamhari:
Khatam is an ancient Persian technique of inlaying, a type of marquetry where objects are made by decorating the surface of wooden articles. Developed in the ancient Persian Empire, khatam-kari gained popularity in the 16th century (1500's). This unique form of marquetry (applying veneer patterns to a surface) features signature tiny geometric designs made of wood, metal, and bone. Artisans use khatam to lend a lavish look to anything from frames to lamps, vases, tables, chairs, boxes, chess sets, and more. The tinier the design, the more skill involved to create it and the higher price it can fetch in the handmade art marketplace.
The look and patterning of khatam kari is directly linked to the technique used to create it. Thin rods of wood, bone, and metal are cut to roughly 2mm (or less) thick and 30cm long, then bound together, first with string and then with glue. The desired pattern becomes visible by looking at one end of the bundle, from which 1mm slices are cut. The slices are then arranged and adhered on the surface to be adorned.
Andrea, your store is a wonderful treasure trove and your knowledge and class are of a scholarly collector.
I am a university research professor with an eye for detail. I have never seen any vendor with your level of exquisite scholarship. Just like your fine objets d'art, your descriptions are crafted with masterful finesse; it is such a pleasure reading them and it is also a great learning experience. Thanks again! Patrick
Deco Deva
Proprietor
Downsizing was inevitable and I've done it several times already. This is the big one, and I am still unboxing treasures retrieved from storage after decades.
All pieces are one of a kind handpicked by yours truly over 40 years to add texture, style and story to your authentic style.
My collecting story starts after watching Astaire and Rogers float across a dance floor as a young girl, I have loved art deco design, art, fashion and jewelry. So bold and beautiful, and so different from anything that came before it. Art deco changed social and design sensibilities forever. A lifetime collector of high quality antiques and vintage, I started by making contacts, researching and learning. Picking the best of the best, I live with art deco and vintage decor and used to wear the fashions of the day. To say that I feel in love is an understatement. I reveled in the fact that I was able to reflect my unique style and sensibilities with a marriage of old and new.
Since I was in my teens I have bought what pleases me, what I find beautiful and unique, and the things that speak to me on a creative level. I hope that you can see and feel the passion and love that I feel for antiques and vintage pieces and share with you. You will find art deco, collectible and vintage fine art paintings, original illustrations and magazine covers, home decor, marble, alabaster and metal lamps, nude flapper table lamps, sterling silver decorative accents and tableware for the home and entertaining, designer and estate jewelry and fine vintage watches in my shop.