Persian Locks: 1500 Years of Iranian Padlocks
In Iran, the padlock was developed in an amazing variety of sizes, shapes, materials, and mechanisms, the likes of which are less frequently encountered in Europe. On the whole, very little attention has been devoted to the history and development of the lock in Iran. Parviz Tanavoli, Iran's leading sculptor, was first attracted to the locks of his own country because of their sculptural qualities. In this beautiful and informative book the author shares with us, in over 500 photos and drawings, the most interesting examples of locks from his famous collection which was first introduced to the American public by the Smithsonian Institute on the occasion of the American Bicentennial. You will also find detailed drawings which clearly illustrate the workings of the various locking mechanisms (e.g., barbed-spring, helical-spring, notched-shackle, hook and revolving catch, etc.) used in the locks in this book. All locks are dated and when known, the place of manufacture is given. A smaller version of this updated and expanded book was published by The Smithsonian Institution in 1976 with the title, "Locks from Iran: Pre-Islamic to Twentieth Century." In 2019 and 2020 the author edited his original book adding new text and a great number of new high-quality photos of locks which have been added to his collection in the 44 years since the first book was published. Hardcover, 144 pages, 10-inches x 8.5-inches, over 500 photos and drawings.
In Iran, the padlock was developed in an amazing variety of sizes, shapes, materials, and mechanisms, the likes of which are less frequently encountered in Europe. On the whole, very little attention has been devoted to the history and development of the lock in Iran.
Parviz Tanavoli, Iran's leading sculptor, was first attracted to the locks of his own country because of their sculptural qualities. In this beautiful and informative book the author shares with us, in over 500 photos and drawings, the most interesting examples of locks from his famous collection which was first introduced to the American public by the Smithsonian Institute on the occasion of the American Bicentennial. You will also find detailed drawings which clearly illustrate the workings of the various locking mechanisms (e.g., barbed-spring, helical-spring, notched-shackle, hook and revolving catch, etc.) used in the locks in this book. All locks are dated and when known, the place of manufacture is given.
A smaller version of this updated and expanded book was published by The Smithsonian Institution in 1976 with the title, "Locks from Iran: Pre-Islamic to Twentieth Century." In 2019 and 2020 the author edited his original book adding new text and a great number of new high-quality photos of locks which have been added to his collection in the 44 years since the first book was published.
Hardcover, 144 pages, 10-inches x 8.5-inches, over 500 photos and drawings.
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The bodies <strong>of</strong> another group <strong>of</strong> these locks are plain and lack the comb-like ridges (No. 187). The<br />
third group has one or two grooves in the middle <strong>of</strong> their bodies (Nos. 188–191). A pair <strong>of</strong> the<br />
smallest locks in the collection can fit inside a pistachio nut shell (Nos. 196, 197). Reminiscent <strong>of</strong><br />
Mowlana Ostad Nuri Q<strong>of</strong>lgar (master locksmith <strong>of</strong> the 16th century) who was so outstanding that<br />
he made twelve locks <strong>of</strong> steel, each one <strong>of</strong> which could fit inside the shell <strong>of</strong> a pistachio nut. There<br />
was a key for each <strong>of</strong> these locks (See p. 91).<br />
<strong>Locks</strong> 178–182. Five steel chest locks with helicalspring<br />
mechanisms, 18th–19th centuries.<br />
Lock 186. Steel chest lock with helical-spring mechanism,<br />
18th–19th centuries. Width 17.5 cm (including key), height<br />
13 cm.<br />
<strong>Locks</strong> 183–185. Three steel chest locks with helicalspring<br />
mechanisms, 18th–19th centuries.<br />
Lock 187. Steel chest lock with helical-spring mechanism,<br />
18th–19th centuries. Width 9.5 cm (including key), height<br />
6.3 cm.<br />
90
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