APPARATUS + Ehya

Collection of textured ceramic vessels and candle holders with natural decor arranged on a neutral surface and background

The Shiraz Khatam series imagines objects of pan-cultural influence, blending a modernist interpretation of classical western forms with the intricate, geometric style of Persian marquetry called Khatam. The ancient technique uses thousands of pieces of wood, metal, and camel bone to wrap forms in a kaleidoscopic pattern. Conceived by Gabriel Hendifar and created in collaboration with Shirin Ehya, a Los Angeles-based Iranian designer traveling between the united states and Iran, the Khatam collection of objects for Act III was planned as a limited edition produced by artisans in Iran. Due to current US sanctions against trade with Iran, which were recently expanded to include art objects, and having exhausted all possible avenues, we are prevented from producing the limited edition collection for the foreseeable future.

  • Textured stone bowl and two cylindrical columns with marble spheres on a gray stone surface under soft light shadows
  • Close-up of a textured mosaic ceramic bowl with layered rim resting on a rough stone surface with a small marble sphere beneath it
  • Low round decorative bowl with textured dark surface and three spherical legs casting soft shadows on a light fabric background
  • Low-angle view of three dark textured decorative objects with spherical bases and scattered acorns on a neutral surface and background