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Monabat Kari, also known as Munabat Kari, is a cherished Iranian art form that involves creating intricate patterns and designs on wood or stone surfaces. The term “Monabat” comes from the Persian word “Nabaat,” which means planting or growing, reflecting how floral motifs in this art resemble the growth of plants.
The primary material for Monabat Kari is wood. The best results come from using dense, durable woods such as walnut, beech, plane, and pear. Walnut wood is particularly favored in Iran due to its beautiful color and sturdy texture, making it a popular choice for crafting. The plane tree, abundant in Tehran, is also used for its attractive reddish-brown hue. This stunning craft adorns various objects, from the doors of historical homes to jewelry boxes and decorative items, making it a perfect souvenir for visitors to Iran.
While the exact origins of Monabat Kari are unclear, it is believed to date back at least 1,500 years in Iran. Wooden objects have been among humanity’s earliest creations, used for tools, dishes, and building materials. Historians suggest that Iranians practiced Monabat Kari before the Sassanid era, although no artifacts from that period exist today. Notably, it is thought that the wooden capitals of the pillars at Persepolis, the magnificent Achaemenid capital from around 518 BC, were ornately decorated with Monabat designs.
This art form not only showcases the skill of Iranian artisans but also serves as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The oldest known example of Monabat Kari is the grand door of the Jame Atiq Mosque in Shiraz, which dates back to the 3rd Hijri century during the reign of Amr o Leith Saffari. This impressive door is crafted from Tabrizi wood and features a stunning polygonal pattern made from walnut wood.
Another significant example is a wooden façade from the 4th Hijri century, adorned with intricate Kufic calligraphy. These artifacts showcase the remarkable talent of Iranian artisans in creating Monabat works, particularly in objects related to Islam, such as the Manbar (the pulpit in mosques) and Rahl (wooden stands for holding the Quran).
content creator: Fatemeh Rahimian
