Iran's Intricate Woodturning Art

Tehran, June 23, IRNA -- Woodturning is a traditional method of woodwork that dates back to 250 years. It is practiced in many provinces of Iran such as Kurdestan, Yazd and Khuzestan, as well as the northern cities of Iran, according to the Monday edition of the English-language newspaper Iran Daily. Embossed figures and stone tombs at the historical site of Takht-e Jamshid show ancient Iranians used a kind of lathe. Essentially, the art of woodturning is used to create wooden objects on a lathe. Iranians widely use wood in handicrafts, especially to produce frames and furniture. Unfortunately, this art has not developed over centuries. At present, some 400 woodturning pieces are displayed in a specialized museum themed “Kharrati” in Dezful, southwestern province of Khuzestan. A section of Dezful Bazaar pertains to carpenters involved in woodturning. Experts believe the city was built in 1000 BCE and the historical bazaar dates back to Qajar dynasty (1794-1925 CE). Also, the intricate woodturning items produced in Yazd are proof of its antiquity in Iran. Many artists have worked in the field across the country. One of the most well known woodturning artisan is Reza Tahhari. He injected a new life into the art by training students and launching workshops in Yazd. Iran Daily interviewed Tahhari in this regard. Excerpts follow: IRAN DAILY: You have brightened the woodturning market in Yazd by creating nearly 100 artworks. Could you tell us about its status in the domestic market? TAHHARI: Woodturning was more prevalent in the past. Most jobs dealt with the wood industry, but it has become obsolete over the course of time. It is a kind of carpentry and joinery services. It was considered one of the most important Iranian crafts. Through the ages, Iranian carpenters used the art of woodworking to beautify both the interiors and exteriors of buildings by using high quality woods. The art was more common in regions with forest reserves. Therefore, more craftsmen used woodworking in the northern and western parts of Iran. Why has the craft become obsolete? Well-known French writer and traveler, Jean Chardin, who visited many attractive sites of Iran in 1674, said woodturning is one of the most ancient arts in which Iranians are very skilled. Since the beginning of Industrial Revolution, textile industries entered the markets. Many people embraced the art entirely which, in turn, caused the economy to lose steam. What kinds of wood do you use? Most of the woods used in this field are from trees such as walnut, osier, sycamore, white birch and pear. What are your tools? In addition to wood as the main material, those involved in woodturning also use a handmade spinning wheel. Which industries were affected when woodworking lost favor? The Industrial Revolution gave rise to textile industries and machineries. Today, people are not keen to use handmade lathe. Thus, many historical jobs such as zilou (pileless carpet) weaving, which used the spinning wheel, became less common. Do you know where woodturning is widely employed? Woodturning is common in the city of Iranshahr in southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchestan, the northwestern province of West Azarbaijan, as well as Baneh, Saqqez and Sanandaj in western Kurdestan province. You received UNESCO’s seal of authenticity for handicrafts in 2012. What is your contribution to the art of woodturning? This art has passed from one generation to another. So we need to teach this historical art to the youth. Therefore, we launched courses for trainees. Also, we have participated in various handicraft exhibitions at home and abroad to introduce the art of woodturning to the world./end