“Mina-kari” (literally “jewel-work”) is the art of fusing a thin, glassy, colored layer onto a surface—traditionally metal, but, from the 13th century CE onward, also pottery. Enamel-painted pottery reached maturity in Iran during the Ilkhanid period (late 13th – 14th c.). Kashani potters, inspired by Syrian and Egyptian prototypes, coated biscuit-fired earthenware with a transparent lead glaze, then painted scrolling arabesques, vegetal motifs, and Kufic inscriptions in metallic pigments before a final low-temperature firing.
| Material / Tool | Function in the Process | Technical Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Biscuit-fired body | Porous clay substrate | Must be lime-free so the glaze adheres. |
| Clear lead glaze | Forms the glassy ground | Melts at 800 – 900 °C—compatible with earthenware. |
| Metallic oxides | Supply the colors | Cu → turquoise/green, Co → cobalt-blue, Mn → purple-brown, Fe → red-brown. |
| Fine sable or camel-hair brushes | Painting designs | Should hold a charge of fluid enamel without dripping. |
| Two-stage gas / electric kiln | Firing the body, glaze, and enamels | First “biscuit” firing, second “glost,” third enamel firing. |
Modern workshops—especially in Lalejin (Hamadan), Kashan, and Qom—combine traditional recipes with borosilicate frits to obtain lead-free, food-safe wares: wall plates, tableware, decorative tiles, even illuminated lampshades. The “Lalejin Mina” geographic indication now labels export pieces.
| Challenge | Consequence | Proposed Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Lead-bearing glazes | Health & export restrictions | Adopt low-lead borate-silicate frits; publish standards. |
| Repetitive motifs | Reduced global appeal | Collaborate with contemporary designers; diversify iconography. |
| Uneven kiln temperature | Burned or dull colors | Upgrade to PID-controlled electric or multi-port gas kilns. |
Enamel-painted pottery is born from the dialogue of earth, fire, and metal oxides—a brilliant testament to Iranian aesthetics. By marrying scientific glazing, safety norms, and creative marketing, this thousand-year-old craft can continue to shine on modern tables and gallery walls alike.
by root
by root
