Khatam - Current Status

Current Status

Currently this art is being practiced in Isfahan, Shiraz and Tehran. Inlay masters, preserving the nobility of their art, have brought forth great innovations in this fine art. Woodcarving is one of the other outstanding Iranian arts. Designing has a special role in this skill. In wood-carving, magnificent patterns inlaid in wood, ivory or bone, with simple or protruded shapes are created.

One of the top masters in this art is Mohammad Bagher Hakim-Elahi (محمد باقر حكيم الهي). He learned the art of Khatam in his youth in Shiraz, Iran, from Master Sanee-Khatam, and thought it to his youngest brother(اسد الله حكيم الهي). In early 1950's, Mr. Hakim-Elahi migrated to Tehran, where he lived until the end of his life in March 2012. During his life he created numerous Khatan art work, ranging from small frames, and jewelry boxes, to large items such a coffee tables, and large chandeliers, some of which are currently in Museums in Iran, but most are in private collection.

Important wood carving of Iran can be found in mosques, palaces and ancient buildings. Some of the Iranian inlaid works are preserved in museums inside or outside Iran . The usual images are rose leaves and drawings of birds and animals. Latticed woodwork is another art, which is made by hand. Old latticed doors and windows of Iran are famous. Among other artworks sudorific inlaid work can be mentioned. In this kind of inlaid work, the artist strictly avoids protrusions on the surface of the wood. The images cut out of natural wood in various colors are finely inlaid in the wooden outline. After the application of a fine finish, an even surface is portrayed, which tend to produce an interesting image of trees, flowers and animals. The art of inlaid and sudorific woodwork is supported by the workshops of the Cultural Heritage Organization of Iran. These arts are also practiced in private workshops.