TEHRAN – A selection of Iranian handicrafts have been put on show at the AGEO World Fair, recently held in the Japanese city of Saitama.

A range of handcrafted works such as ones created with techniques of miniature, metalwork, enamel, mosaic, inlay, marquetry, and traditional dolls were showcased in the exhibit organized by the Municipality of Saitama Prefecture, Tasnim reported on Monday.

Representatives of 25 countries, including Iran, and several cultural industries attended the fair held at the venue of the International Exhibitions of the Municipality of Saitama Prefecture in Japan, the report said.

The pavilion of the Islamic Republic of Iran was highly welcomed by those admiring the Iranian culture especially students of the Persian language and literature.

Iran’s Cultural Attaché to Japan Ali Sa’adatazar attended the fair and visited the Iranian handicrafts and cultural products showcased at the exhibition, Tasnim said.

Among the highlights of the Iran pavilion were handmade dolls representing fictional characters, Iranian cartoons, and traditional clothing.

“The fair is a good platform for introducing the cultural achievements of the country to the Japanese people,” Sa’adatazar said.

As mentioned by the Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, the value of Iran’s handicraft exports stood at $400 million during the first ten months of the past Iranian calendar year 1401 (Mar. 21, 2022—Jan. 20, 2023). “Compared to the same period a year earlier, the figure represents some 30 percent growth.”

At present, a total of 13 cities and three villages in Iran have been registered by the World Council of Handicrafts as “world cities of handicrafts”. The World Crafts Council is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that was founded in 1964 to promote fellowship, foster economic development through income-generating craft-related activities, and organize exchange programs, workshops, conferences, and exhibitions.

AFM