Beautiful Vintage Persian Copper Plate - Wall Hanging

This beautiful copper plate is really a wall hanging as it is impractical to use. I was immediately drawn to the complex central design full of birds and flowers. It is an example of Persian Ghalam-zani (hand-engraved) copper and brass art. To create these repoussé and chased plates, the metal is hammered from the back to create high relief and then finely engraved on the front. This piece is very characteristic of Isfahan, in central Iran, which remains the historical center for this type of traditional handicraft. Isfahan was the capital of the Seljuk and Safavid dynasties (11th and 17th centuries). It is difficult to date traditional pieces like this, but it most likely dates from the early to mid twentieth century (c. 1920-40).

This piece is in lovely condition and has a lot of patina. It could be polished back to bright copper if that is your preference. There is a small area at the bottom of the plate where a sticker was attached for a long time and the difference in colour of the copper shows its lack of exposure to oxidisation. Now it has been removed it will eventually develop the same patina as the surrounding area. 

Please look closely at the photographs as they form an important part of the description. If you are based in Wellington, free delivery is available in the central, southern and eastern suburbs, or for $5 in the northern and western suburbs. If you would like further information, please get in touch directly (contact@eldercroftandsons.co.nz).