Era: 20th Century Origin: Iran (Persia), Isfahan or Shiraz
Material: Khatam Micro-Mosaic Marquetry, Wood, Bone, Metal Wire
Overview: A flat rectangular Persian khatam box decorated overall with the traditional micro-mosaic marquetry technique, featuring thousands of hand-assembled triangular pieces of wood, bone, and metal wire forming dense interlocking star and geometric rosette patterns in gold, green, and terracotta tones. The allover surface treatment is characteristic of the finest Isfahan and Shiraz khatam workshops. The elongated rectangular form follows the classical qalamdan pen box tradition.
Condition: Please advise on interior; exterior khatam surface shows good color and pattern integrity with age-appropriate patina.
Historical Significance: Khatam is one of Persia's most demanding decorative arts, with origins dating to the Safavid period. Master craftsmen traditionally assembled pieces as small as one millimeter to achieve the signature geometric precision prized by collectors worldwide.
