Museum of Decorative Arts (Historical mansion of Rakib Khane)

Rakib Khane Mansion Through Time

This building was constructed over the ruins of a Safavid palace named: “Jobbeh Khaneh”. During Shah Abbas the first reign, king of Safavid dynasty, this iconic mansion was constructed. Through Qajar era this mansion was in residency of the rulers of Isfahan and its basement was used as a prison. It was also home to Zelol Sultan who was famous for the destructions that happened under his orders. This is one of the rare buildings that wasn’t destroyed by Zelol Sultan. During Pahlavi dynasty it first belonged to the governor and later it turned into civil registration organization.

What Does Rakib Khane Mean?

Currently, this mansion is known as the museum of decorative art which is also named Historical mansion of Rakib Khane. Rakib Khane is a word that is used for the places which hold the horse riding equipment. This mansion is located in the cultural context of the Isfahan city near the palaces of Ali-Qapo and Chehel Sotun.

Special Features of Rakib Khane

The remaining columns of this palace are moved to Chehel Sotun Palace. The mansion’s courtyard is surrounded by beautiful gardens giving it a fascinating mood with calming atmosphere. On one of the sides of this mansion there is a tower that gives it a sophisticated design. The special architecture designs such as stucco work and mirror works are the highlights of this historic house. 3000 historical pieces are held in this museum which belong to different dynasties along history.

7 main sections of the museum

  • Calligraphy and handwritten books
  • Lacquered and oil Art works
  • Braid making and traditional embroidery works
  • Paintings
  • Metal works
  • Glassware, pottery and Chinese
  • Wood works including wood joints and wood carvings

Overview


Opening Hours

Saturday- Wednesday: 8:30 – 13:30
Thursday: 8:30 – 12:30


Location

Museum of Decorative Arts, Ostandari Street, Isfahan, Iran


Contact

(+98) 31 3221 8606


Price

150000 Rls

Shahi Assar Khaneh Museum

The old traditional oil factory known as AssarKhaneh was constructed on the order of Shah Abbas the first in Safavid-era. The dimmed pressing oil factory is not like any ordinary one. It is a traditional oil production factory that used to be ran by camel power.

Oil Production and Its Traditional Process

In the past, to summarize the procedure, dry grains such as cotton, apical, lines, sunflower, poppy, castor, and wild rocket seeds were brought here to be fried and then they were grinded with a grinding stone carried by a camel.  After that, the powder was soaked in water. The final procedure was to pour the oil inside a pot which was then placed in special places carved in the walls. These places worked as a refrigerator. The domed structure of the place is actually for the purpose of cooling down the place. On top of that, walls and the ceiling are made of brick for the same purpose.

Fact: camel’s eyes were closed so that they would not get vertigo.

Part of this factory still exist in a specific part of Bazaar in Naqsh-Jahan Square. The area of AssarKhaneh used to be 1800 square meters. Today this number is reduced to 380 square meters.

The factory was big enough for caravans to stay there while taking care of their business. There were also places for their horses to rest.

After climbing down the stairway and passing through a vestibule, a part of the factory area appears. As you walk through the entrance, you have a half view of the factory. Then, you are faced by a dimmed factory with sunlight coming through the ceiling. All kinds of traditional machinery used in the procedure of oil making can be seen there.

There are some statues of men and women to show the procedure of oil making.

The Sanctity of AssarKhaneh

There used to be many oil factory houses and AssarKhaneh around Isfahan but today, this is the only one that has remained.

There have been stories about the sanctity of AssarKhaneh. If the transportation of the big wooden columns of AssarKhaneh in the narrow streets of Isfahan caused some damages in buildings, instead of complaining, people would actually take it as a blessing.

Overview

Opening Hours

From 21 March To 22 September: Monday To 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Friday is closed)
From 23 September To 20 March: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Friday is closed)

Closing Days in 2019

26 May
4 June
9 September
10 September
27 October

Location

 North East of the Naqsh-e Jahan Sq. Bazaar, Isfahan, Iran

Contact

(+98) 31 3224 1087

Price

300,000 Rls

Museum of Decorative Arts

Housed in a building that once served as stables and warehouse to Safavid kings, this small museum contains a fine collection from the Safavid and Qajar periods, including miniatures, glassware, lacquer work, ancient Qurans, calligraphy, ceramics, woodcarvings, traditional costumes, weapons and horse tackle. Among the stars of the show are a fish divination mirror with enamel cartouches, some exquisite beadwork and priceless inlaid boxes. There’s also a display of locks: locksmithing is an ancient trade in Esfahan.

(Source: lonelyplanet.com)

Overview

Opening Hours

From 21 March To 22 September: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM except for Tuesday at 1 PM

From 23 September To 20 March: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM except for Tuesday at 1 PM

Closing Days in 2019

26 May
4 June
9 September
10 September
27 October

Location

Ostandari St. Isfahan, Iran

Contact

(+98) 31 3221 8606

Price

150,000 Rls