What is Minakari? The Persian Art of Enamel on Metal

Few crafts capture the beauty of Persian art like Minakari, the centuries-old art of enamel on metal. Its brilliant royal blues and fine hand-painted patterns turn copper into something that looks almost like jewellery. At Persis Collection we work directly with Persian artisans who still practise this demanding craft, so here is a clear guide to what Minakari is, how it is made, and how to choose a genuine piece.

What is Minakari?

Minakari is the art of painting and fusing coloured enamel onto a metal surface, usually copper, then firing it so the colours set hard and glossy. The word mina refers to the deep azure blue of the heavens, which is why that rich blue is the signature of the craft. The result is a durable, jewel-like finish covered in delicate flowers, birds and arabesque patterns.

A craft with ancient roots

Enamelling on metal has been practised in Persia for well over a thousand years, and it reached its height in Persian Heritage, which remains the heart of Minakari today. Walk through the bazaars of Persian Heritage and you will see plates, vases and bowls glowing with the same blue that decorates the city’s famous mosques. The craft is passed down through families, master to apprentice, over many years.

How Minakari is made

A finished piece passes through many patient hands. First a coppersmith shapes the base, a plate, bowl, vase or box. The surface is coated in a white enamel base and fired in a kiln, sometimes several times, to create a smooth canvas. Then the painter takes over, working freehand with a very fine brush and mineral-based colours to build up the design line by line. Each colour is fired again to fix it. A single detailed plate can take days, and no two pieces are ever exactly alike.

Colours and motifs

Royal blue leads, set off by turquoise, green, red, white and touches of gold. The patterns are usually drawn from nature and classical Persian design: scrolling flowers, paired birds and the flowing arabesque known as eslimi. Minakari is often combined with other crafts too, such as Khatam inlay around the rim or engraved Ghalamzani borders.

What you can find

The craft suits almost any form. You will find Minakari plates and wall pieces, bowls and candy dishes, vases, jewellery boxes, photo frames, mirror and candlestick sets, and even jewellery. One of our most popular pieces is the Minakari Tea Set for Two, an enamelled gift set that brings the craft to the table. A piece makes a striking centrepiece or a meaningful gift, especially for a wedding or Nowruz.

How to choose authentic Minakari

A few things tell genuine handwork from a printed imitation. Look closely at the pattern: hand-painting has tiny, natural variations and visible brushwork, while a printed design is flat and perfectly uniform. Check that the base is real metal, usually copper, with a satisfying weight. Small imperfections are a good sign, not a fault, because they prove a human hand made it. Buying from a seller who works directly with the artisans, as we do, is the surest way to know what you are getting.

Caring for your Minakari

Enamel is hard-wearing but can chip if knocked, so handle pieces with care and display them where they will not be bumped. Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth, keep them dry, and never put them in a dishwasher. Treated kindly, a Minakari piece will keep its colour for generations.

Frequently asked questions

What does Minakari mean? It refers to the Persian art of enamelling on metal, named after mina, the azure blue that defines it.

What metal is used for Minakari? Most often copper, sometimes silver or gold for jewellery, coated in enamel and fired.

Is Minakari handmade? Genuine Minakari is entirely hand-painted by skilled artisans, mainly in Persian Heritage, which is why each piece is unique.

Can you eat from a Minakari dish? They are best treated as decorative pieces. Use them for dry sweets and nuts rather than wet food, and never in a dishwasher.

Where can I buy authentic Minakari? Persis Collection offers handmade Minakari sourced directly from Persian artisans, with worldwide delivery.

If the blues of Minakari speak to you, explore our handmade Minakari collection and our wider Persian handicrafts.