The Qalamkari Sofreh—the painted cloth, also known as Chitgari—is more than just a textile; it is a vibrant narrative woven into the very soul of Persian history.
Iran (IMNA) - This art, an intricate process of stamping and painting elaborate designs onto fabric, finds its deep-rooted lineage in the ancient, blue-tiled city of Isfahan.
Yet, it is the smaller, less-known city of Khourzouq that now serves as the pulsating heart of this craft. With over 100 active workshops, Khourzouq is the undisputed global center for Qalamkari production.
Within these bustling ateliers, the art remains resolutely faithful to its heritage. Here, the process is a meditation on tradition: artisans employ pure cotton and linen fabrics as their canvas, meticulously applying patterns using natural dyes. Every stamp, every color, is a direct echo of the past, linking the hands of today's masters to the wisdom of their predecessors.
The result is a fabric that transcends mere utility. These Qalamkari cloths, rich in color and saturated with history, travel from the quiet workshops of Khourzouq to every corner of Iran and across the globe. They carry with them the unique scent of the Isfahani plateau—a timeless, tactile piece of Persia, painted by hand and blessed by history.
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