He made my table cloth - Isfahan, Iran

He made my table cloth

Isfahan is well known for its fine craft and watching a traditional artisan at work is an interesting thing to do. I wanted to buy myself something special and light to carry home from Isfahan. In the huge Bazaar-e Bozorg in Imam Square, I found this old man who skillfully made beautiful hand printed table cloth in his workshop. 

I had my eyes on a beautiful hand made table cloth which took the 78 years old Mr. Hassan 5 days to complete it.  The more colors and layers printed on the cotton material the more expensive it gets.  Made from 100% natural materials, the colors are drawn from natural sources. The vibrant pink is extracted from mixing pomegranate and yogurt, while the ocean blue is derived from lapis lazuli rock and the vivid orange is drawn from saffron.  How interesting! 

He priced the merchandise for  40 USD and I did not want to bargain that much for his skill and effort. Anyway, the translator told me that the old man is happy to sell it for  35 USD and I am perfectly contented to pay the price.  He printed his name at the back of the table cloth and the transaction was completed. 

Mr. Hassan's workshop 

The translator explains how the table cloths are made

The old man working on his wooden block

The table cloths he made

I paid him and the deal is sealed

My table cloth

Light, natural and easy to carry

His final seal on the merchandise