Wed, Aug 01, 2007 - Page 6 News List

Iranian illuminators struggle to practice a dying art

PRE-ISLAMIC TRADITION Few in modern Iran want to learn to create the paisleys and intricate calligraphy -- but fewer still are willing to spend money on them

AFP , TEHRAN

"The works are lovable and subtle, but I think if the Iranian artist of the time had more freedom he would have looked at the world differently," he said.

There are still a few young enthusiasts yearning to fill the shoes of the masters, despite the insecurity and uncertainty they know will come with the job.

"I saw Mr Joghan's works in an exhibition. It touched me in a way that I could not sleep a wink until morning," 28-year-old chemist Maryam Labani said.

"I pestered him on the phone for two weeks to take me on as a student," said Labani, looking through a magnifying glass to put a drop of pink on an octagonal illumination -- work which could be ruined by the slightest false move.

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