Qalamkar is a form of Persian woodblock printed textile that originates from Esfahan in central Iran over 400 years ago. Unlike some lesser quality, machine-printed fabrics coming out of India, Pakistan and China recently, each design of Qalamkar is traditionally hand-printed by the few independent craftsmen still spread throughout Esfahan.

A part of film:
There were about 120,000 people in Isfahan working in the Qalamkar business during the reign of Naser Addin Shah.  They were present in all caravnsaries and had put up tents along the river from KHAJOO bridge to POL KALEH washing Qalamkar fabrics very extensively.

Documentary Time: 00:02

Publish Date: May 2012