Engraving (Qalamzani) is the art of carving patterns on metal. The history of this art dates back to Scythians or Sakas, who lived about 5 to 7 thousand years ago in the Caucasus region (southern Russia) and are considered as Aryan descent. This magnificent art has been practiced in various periods of Iranian history, from Achaemenids and Sassanians to Seljuks, Mongols, and Timurids. During the Safavid period, though, it was influenced by miniature designs and entered a new era of flourishing. Most remaining engravings from the Qajar period are in the form of door covers for religious buildings.

Gold is the most suitable metal for engraving, but silver, copper, and alloys such as brass are also commonly used. The work involves drawing the design on paper and transferring it onto the work surface. The artist then engraves the design on the metal using special tools. The opposite surface is earlier filled with tar and gypsum to prevent making holes in the metal or cracking it.