What it means
قلمزنی (qalam-zani) refers to the craft of engraving or chasing decorative patterns onto metal surfaces such as copper, silver, or brass. The word is a compound: قلم (qalam) comes from Arabic, which borrowed it from Greek kalamos meaning a reed or pen, and زنی (zani) is pure Persian from the verb زدن (zadan), meaning to strike or to hit. Together the word means something close to pen-striking, describing the motion of tapping a chisel-like tool to carve designs. The artisan who does this work is called a قلمزن (qalam-zan). A related term is حکاکی (hekâki), which covers engraving more broadly including on stone.
How to use it
- این بشقاب مسی با قلمزنی تزئین شده. (In boshqâb-e mesi bâ qalam-zani tazyin shode.) “This copper plate is decorated with engraving.”
- قلمزنی روی نقره خیلی ظریفه. (Qalam-zani ru-ye noqre kheyli zarife.) “Engraving on silver is very delicate work.”
- تو بازار اصفهان مغازههای قلمزنی زیاد داره. (Tu bâzâr-e Esfahân maghâze-hâye qalam-zani ziâd dâre.) “The Isfahan bazaar has many engraving shops.”
- کلاس قلمزنی برای مبتدیا هم هست. (Kelâs-e qalam-zani barâye mobtadiyâ ham hast.) “There are engraving classes for beginners too.”
Cultural note
قلمزنی is one of Iran’s most recognized traditional handicrafts, with Isfahan being its most famous center. Artisans in Isfahan’s bazaar have practiced this craft for centuries, producing trays, vases, bowls, and decorative panels covered in intricate floral and arabesque patterns. The work is entirely done by hand using small metal tools and requires years of training to master. Copper and brass pieces with قلمزنی designs are among the most popular souvenirs purchased by visitors to Iran, and the craft has been submitted for UNESCO recognition alongside other Iranian traditional arts.