Firoozeh Koobi (Persian: فیروزه کوبی; Firouze Koobi, or Firuzehkubi) is an Iranian handicraft made of a copper vessel that is covered with inlayed turquoise stone.[1] It is one of the most popular souvenirs of Isfahan.[2] Although the technique has a short history (less than 100 years), due to the use of precious stones and the design it is highly valued.[3][4]
History
Since the ancient times in Persia, turquoise has been a valued gemstone; the oldest turquoise mine in Iran is the Nishapur mine.[5][6] Roughly in the 1950s, Yusef Hakimian founded this art in Mashhad.[2] Today, Firoozeh Koobi is created primarily in Isfahan, and many artists and craftsmen have set up turquoise workshops in this city.[7]
Firoozeh Koobi is a product made of copper, brass, silver, or bronze, in which small pieces of turquoise stone are placed together on a part of its surface in a mosaic form.[7] Turquoise inlaying is recognized in Iran as an art-industry in the division and classification of Iranian handicrafts, which has an artistic and aesthetic aspect and has a decorative application.[1] Turquoise Inlaying is commonly used for decorating items such as jewelry, vases, candlesticks, and mirror frames.[8]
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