Museum of Passion: Anatomy of a door knocker: Kubeh

You are Here: Tweet, Like, Share, Comment, Subscribe…be the Voice of Free Press!

By Shahana Naqvi, Copy Edited By Adam Rizvi, The India Observer, TIO:

Introduction:

Doors proudly create a boundary between public and private lives. They secure spaces that enliven the human spirit. Whether big or small, simple or decorative, doors reflect the personality of their owners. They serve not only as functional elements and decorative expressions but also as guardians of the buildings they belong to.

For example, doors in the southern cities of Iran—especially towards the Persian Gulf—often have Quranic inscriptions installed above the portal for divine protection. Unfortunately, many of these ancient houses are now on the verge of destruction.

Knock Knock Knock… on the Door

A door knocker is an item of door furniture that allows people outside a house, dwelling, or building to alert those inside of their presence. Throughout history, door knockers have carried various symbolic meanings—used for protection, status, and good luck.

German Professor Franz Sales Meyer distinguished three types of door knockers: the ring, the hammer, and ornate designs which could take the shape of animals or other figures.

In the early 20th century, the high demand for antique door knockers in the United States led to the emergence of forged versions in the market.

Persian Kubeh (Door Knocker)

Door knockers hold both cultural and historical relevance in Iran. Long before modern doorbells or alarms, the culturally refined Persians invented the concept of two door knockers on the front doors of their dwellings—a practical innovation aimed at making life easier.

Known as Kubeh in Farsi, Iranian door knockers come in various shapes and sizes, differing from region to region. These knockers tell tales about the house, its owner, and the region’s architecture—rich with craft, culture, and past lifestyles.

Shape and Materials

Among the two knockers, one is typically heavier—rectangular or square—while the other is rounder, sometimes shaped like a boat or heart. The left side usually features a thick metal bar that produces a deep tone, whereas the right side has a metal ring creating a softer, lighter sound.

These beautifully crafted pieces are generally made of cast iron, often decorated with plant motifs, animal imagery, and symbolic patterns. A circular background often symbolizes the Sun, while the opposite side may represent the Moon surrounded by twelve stars.

These design elements are not just decorative—they also serve as protective symbols aimed at safeguarding the home and its inhabitants from ominous thoughts and misfortune.

The intricacy of these patterns directly reflects the blacksmith’s skill and the evolution of the craft in each city. Today, Iranian door knockers are irreplaceable relics—no modern artisan can replicate them exactly. They stand as exquisite, functional works of art forged by master Persian craftsmen.

Sounds and Vibrations

The knockers do more than signal presence—they reveal the gender of the visitor. Each produces a distinctive sound, allowing those inside to identify whether the guest is male or female.

The left knocker (deep sound) is traditionally reserved for men, and the right (lighter tone) for women. These are respectively referred to as the Hammer and the Ring.

Arrival of Guests

In traditional Iranian society, women were expected to dress modestly in the presence of unrelated men. Homes were also physically divided into birooni (outside/public) and androoni (inside/private) areas to protect women’s dignity.

To accommodate this social structure, the two-knocker system evolved. The distinct sound alerted those inside, allowing them to prepare appropriately. A woman would rarely open the door for a male visitor and might even disguise her voice behind the door.

This simple yet effective method ensured privacy and respect within the household.

The Iranian Door Knockers Project

Born in Tehran, Iranian architect and photographer Alireza Jahanpanah designed residential spaces in Iran and curated exhibitions in the Middle East and Europe. While studying architecture, his fascination with Iran’s unique designs led him to document door knockers across the country.

Along with his wife, Irandokht Pirsaraee, a graphic designer, he traveled across 20 towns, cities, and villages between 1986 and 1992. Together, they studied and photographed various styles of door knockers, collecting stories embedded in each design.

Their collection of over 2,500 photographs and a short documentary film—The Iranian Door Knockers Project—was exhibited at the Seymour Art Gallery in Deep Cove, Canada, from June 10 to July 4, 2015.

Focused mainly on Kashan, a city famed for its historic houses, the project aimed to show how even small architectural elements can reflect deep-rooted cultural values, craftsmanship, and community aesthetics.

The couple hoped to publish a coffee-table book in Tehran in 2017, preserving this vanishing legacy for future generations.

Kubeh Now…

Elham Razani, a multifaceted Persian artist born in Tehran, is known for her expressive portraiture and vivid explorations of Persian heritage. Her works—saturated in deep blue and crimson—transcend emotional and geographic boundaries.

Razani has seamlessly blended 3D elements into her canvas work and digital prints. She runs a successful online store, where her original art prints sell for as much as €13,000. Razani also teaches aspiring artists through workshops and courses.

A Knock on My Door

Before I began writing about Islamic arts, I had already been drawn to unique cultural artifacts of the past—many of which risk losing their identity in today’s fast-paced world.

That curiosity guided me on a trip to Iran a few years ago, where I stumbled upon a dusty antique shop in a quiet corner of the World Heritage Site in Kashan. There, I found a beautiful pair of ancient door knockers—easy to carry, rich in craftsmanship.

They now adorn the main door of my house, fitting perfectly on an exquisite Indian antique door I discovered at a thrift store in Lucknow. Though they no longer serve their original purpose, these knockers remain deeply symbolic—reminders of a time when architecture and life were beautifully intertwined.

Also Read more from this Author: Museum of Passion: In Rainbow Wonderland

 

Curated and Compiled by Humra Kidwai

Articles written by contributors have different viewpoints. The views expressed in the articles are the author’s own and not necessarily supported by TIO, The India Observer its affiliates, staff, or the management. Our Articles can be reproduced, with the following conditions, (1) No alteration to the content, (2) Visible, and full credit is given to the Author & Editor. (3) Citing, The India Observer, TIO. In the case of online or electronic media, a link to the original article must be given. Rules are strictly enforced. Any questions, email the Editor at: Mediaiss@gmail.com Or TheIndiaObserver@gmail.com