Zari Fabric

" ZARI " ( golden ), is an attributive adjective, which is attributed to ZAR (gold). It means made of gold. Therefore, ZARI is brocade with gold weft". About 1000 B.C. fabrics were woven in the from of two-weft, in East of Iran. In SASANID era (early 7th century), Iranian could weave the fabric with high durability 
and strength by the carefulness in the twisting the silken yarns.

Brocade is named of traditional fabric that all wefts are silver or gold and their warps are silk. Nowadays a large number of these fabrics belonging to the SASANID era (last dynasty of native rulers  to reign in Persia before the Arab conquest in 640 A.C.) exist in royal treasure in Tehran or in famous churches in the Europe and Japan's museums. It is obvious that the king of SASANID donated these precious pieces to the imperial western court. The designs of SASANID are usually combination of hunting ground and birds. In regard of the remaining fabric from this age, we can say that the combination of these fabrics reached to the ultimate point of artistic creativity, harmony, design and color.

The texture of ZARI was welcomed into the age of Safavi Dynasty (late 15th century). Provinces such as Kashan, Yazd, and Isfahan became major centers for creation of this art. The culmination of this art is seen during Safavi era in Iran. The motifs and designs of fabrics, like the design of rugs, were drawn before hand. The difference is that the motifs are repeated throughout the fabrics.

This art flourished in the contemporary era. In the year 1929, with the attempt of Master "Hosein Taherzadeh Behzad Tabrizi", the first workshop of ZARI with attendance of "Habiballah Tarighi" began to work in Tehran. This workshop has continued it's work, and a few remaining artists, produce the unique brocades in limited quantity but high quality.

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
Tel. 310-770-9085

Zari, Golden and Silver Fabrics and Textiles from Iran

In an older post dated September 21, 08, I had a review of a kind of Iranian gold wefted fabric made on silk foundation called Zari. I received few comments and also few e-mails asking some questions. Rather than replying to each comment individually, I address the questions here in this new post without repeating the questions. I should also thank my numerous readers who take time to read my posts. Yes, contrary to what the media says and depicts here in the west, the life goes on in Iran with its 75,000,000 population. The total area of the territory of Iran is equal to the areas of France, Spain, Japan and Germany combined.

The Cultural Heritage Organization (CHO) based in Tehran with its branches which are present in all 30 states of Iran is responsible to preserve and promote the ancient and old types of arts and crafts in Iran. This organization has been in existence for many decades. In one of its workshops in Tehran, CHO has a section on Zari fabrics to keep this art and craft alive by providing the looms and material for weaving Zari. They do not sell the production because first of all, the production is not that much as this is a very time consuming and delicate art and cannot be mass produced. Second, these zari fabrics which are in high demand because of their scarcity and fine weave are donated to the religious shrines and mosques in Tehran and other cit cities through out Iran.

Since the price is heavily dependent on the price of gold used in Zari, it is always sold by weight. Last time I asked about the price, I was quoted $15 per one gram. This will be around $6,750 for one pound roughly 454 grams and $15,000 for one kilogram. I do not know whether Zari can be found in the market for sale or not, but if there is an interest, I can ask. I have few new pieces in my collection which I can sell. Some of the photos of these pieces were already posted.

It is 5:45 am and I better get some slip before I go to work. Today is Saturday, and I will go to work between 12:00 and 5:00 pm. I will work with the same hours on Sundays too.

Khosrow Sobhe
www.RugIdea.com
310-770-9085

"Zari" Persian Silk and Gold Fabric

" ZARI " ( golden ), is an attributive adjective, which is referred to ZAR (gold). It means made of gold. Therefore, ZARI is a type of brocaded fabric with gold weft".

About 1000 B.C. Zari fabrics were woven in the from of two-weft textiles in East of Iran. In SASANID era (early 7th century), Iranians could weave the fabric with high durability and strength by the carefulness in the twisting the silken yarns.

This brocaded textile is the name of a traditional fabric that all its wefts are silver or gold and their warps
are made of silk. Nowadays a large number of these fabrics belonging to the SASANID era ( last dynasty of native rulers to reign in Persia before the Arab conquest in 640 A. C.) exist in royal treasure in Tehran or in famous churches in the Europe and Japan's museums. It is obvious that the king of SASANID donated these precious pieces to the imperial western court. The designs of SASANID era are usually a combination of hunting ground and birds. In regard with the remaining fabric from this age, we can say that the combination of these fabrics reached the ultimate point of artistic creativity, harmony, design and color.

The texture of ZARI was welcomed into the age of Safavid Dynasty (late 15th century). Provinces such as Kashan, Yazd, and Isfahan became major centers for creation of this art. The culmination of this art is seenduring Safavi era in Iran. The motifs and designs of fabrics, like the design of rugs, were drawn before hand. The difference is that the motifs are repeated throughout the fabrics.

This art flourished in the contemporary era. In the year 1929, with the attempt of Master "Hosein Taherzadeh Behzad Tabrizi", the first workshop of ZARI with attendance of "Habiballah Tarighi" began to work in Tehran. This workshop has continued it's work, and a few remaining artists, produce the unique brocades in
limited quantity but high quality.

Here, I am posting few pictures of the complex wooden Zari looms which are set up in a workshop in Tehran by the Iranian Cultural Heritage Organization. I have also included few photos of Zari fabrics.

Khosrow Sobhe
www.RugIdea.com
310-770-9085