Idea #487 – Observing the manufacturers of stained-glass Shebeke of Sheki in Azerbaijan
The craftsmen of Azerbaijan knew how to develop a quite particular technique of realization of invaluable artistic stained-glass windows, which we find in almost all the rich palaces built between the XIIIth and the XVIIIth century.
These stained-glass Windows, named Shebeke, are only made by wood and by colored glasses, assembled without nails and glue. The realization of the complex geometrical motives, which are inspired by the embroidery and the Azeri carpets, requires very numerous working hours, to adapt every piece of wood like elements of puzzle. The wood in use is exclusively pistachier, dried and smoked during several weeks. The colored glass was originally imported by Italy, in particular by Murano.
Several craftsmen have nowadays schools, leaning on the ancestral transmission of a know-how built around pattern of complex motives appropriate to every family of craftsmen. To Sheki, it is possible to visit a craftsman known all around the world, who still trains numerous young people in the manufacturing and in the restoration of these stained-glass windows.
Some Pictures
Where is it ?
Shaki, Azerbaijan