Teimuraz Jalaghania

Knife maker

©Teimuraz Jalaghania

©Rusudan Barnovi

Master of Caucasian arms

Teimuraz has been making traditional arms for more than 35 years
He mostly works on damascene decorations
He teaches to ensure his craft survives for future generations

Born in 1939, Master Teimuraz Jalaghania has been practising the craft of Damascening for more than 35 years. Following his great interest in weapons, he began collecting and restoring antique Caucasian weapons since childhood. “I’ve been fascinated with this craft since early childhood. As kids, we used to play war games at the Narikala Fortress in Old Tbilisi with homemade wooden guns. I enjoyed tinkering, and this is how I gradually moved from wood to metal.” Later, he met Master Guram Gabashvili, who revitalised the tradition of Damascening in Georgia. Working as his apprentice for some time, Teimuraz became a skilful Master of gold and silver inlay. Today, in his workshop, located at the spectacular Old Bath district in Tbilisi, he teaches his apprentices, in order to ensure the transmission of this precious tradition to future generations.

Interview

©Lasha Adamashvili

©Lasha Adamashvili

What techniques do you apply during your work?: Metal inlay, which is when silver or gold wires are hammered into engraved patterns on a steel background. To be more flexible, the wires should be made of soft metals, which is especially necessary if you want to make the delicate contour of a flower or stem.
What inspires your work?: Traditional Caucasian weapons, which are distinguished by their shape. In Georgia, damascene decorations often appear in the steel of sword hilts (handles), shields and other armour. This technique became typical for Tbilisi, a vibrant multi-ethnic city, which has been a cultural and economic centre of the entire Caucasus in the 19th century.
What advice do you have for a young person starting their career?: Our craft requires meticulous work and great attention.There are a few which have a feel for the materials: those that talk with their work (like I do), that interact with their work and have a special bond with it, are more likely to succeed.
How would you describe your approach to your work?: In the past, master craftsmen were regarded as people of high value to the State. And it’s human nature: the more you’re valued and appreciated, the more you try to do. Society today often forgets about people like us, but real Masters are stubborn enough to continue their work no matter what happens.

Teimuraz Jalaghania is a master artisan: he began his career in 1985 and he started teaching in 1987