Join us to learn about the Shah Abbasi motif and create your own painting to take home. This workshop is being delivered as part of the 'Balsall Heath Second Saturdays' programme - a monthly mini-festival celebrating making, creativity, community, local culture and the arts, held on the second Saturday of every month.
Iranian art (Persian art) is celebrated for its intricate designs, vibrant colours, and rich heritage. The arts underwent a significant transformation during the reign of Shah Abbas I, the fifth ruler of the Safavid dynasty (1588–1629). During this period, increased trade with China via the Silk Road sparked cultural exchange, introducing Chinese elements such as floral motifs, porcelain techniques, and cloud patterns into Persian art.
Named after Shah Abbas I, the Shah Abbasi motif is a highly stylised representation of flowers and is prominently featured in carpet designs, metalwork, and illuminated manuscripts. The geometric and symmetrical floral designs typically feature a central palmette surrounded by smaller floral and leaf patterns. More than just a decorative element, the motif symbolises the connection between nature and the divine and embodies the cultural exchange of ideas between East and West.
In this workshop, you will explore the history and symbolism of the Shah Abbasi motif and paint your own motif using traditional Persian illumination techniques.
Suitable for adults and children aged 9+ years. All materials are provided.
Tickets
We would like to make this workshop as accessible as possible, and so have subsidised the price of the tickets. However, we still need to make a small charge for entry to help cover our costs. To guarantee your place, please book your tickets in advance using the link.
Standard Ticket: £12.50 (+ ticket fees)
Concessions (students, low-income, over 65s): £10 (+ ticket fees)
Please present proof of concessionary status with your ticket upon arrival, where applicable.
REFUND POLICY: Please note that tickets are only refunded (minus the Eventbrite admin fee) if requested more than 7 days before the event.
Image: 16th-Century Silk Kashan Carpet, Made in Iran, The Met Museum, Object Number: 58.46.