Minakari or Meenakari () is the process of painting and colouring the surfaces of and ceramic tiles through enameling, originating in Safavid Iran. It is practiced as an art form, and commercially produced mainly in Iran, India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Minakari art usually involves intricate designs (mainly using geometric shapes and designs), and is applied as a decorative feature to serving dishes, containers, vases, frames, display ornaments, and jewelry.[ it is very popularly found in iran .]
Etymology
The word Mīnākārī is a compound word, composed of the words mīnā and kārī. Mīnā is a feminine variation of the word mīnū, which means paradise or heaven. Kārī means to do or place something onto something else. Together, the word Mīnākārī means to place paradise onto an object.
History
art of enameling metal for ornamental reasons has been traced back to the
Parthian Empire and
Sasanian Empire eras of
Iranian history.
[, pp.162-164] However, the meticulous ornamental work seen today can be traced back to
Safavid Iran around the 15th century. The
Mughal people introduced it to India and perfected the technique, making the design applied on objects more intricate. The craft reached its peak in Iran during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
[, Vol. XIV, Fasc. 1, pp.48-55] In the twentieth century, Iranian artisans specialising in meenakari were invited to other regions to assist with training local craftsmen.
[, p.395] In India,
Rajasthan and
Gujarat are most famous for their Mīnākārī artifacts and jewelry.
Process
The process usually includes the fusing of coloured powder glass onto a substrate (metal, glass or ceramics) through intense heat (usually between 750-850°C or 1382-1562°F). The powder melts and cures to a smooth, durable, glassy coating on metal, glass or ceramics.
See also
