The Porcelain Tailor

The Khayyat Al Farfori “the porcelain tailor” was the artisan responsible for repairing broken or cracked porcelain items instead of discarding them. Using special metal pins and traditional glue, he would reassemble plates, cups, and teapots, giving them new life and making them usable once again.

This craft required patience and precision, as fixing porcelain demanded a high level of skill to preserve both the beauty and function of the object. At a time when porcelain was expensive, repair was a more economical option especially for low-income families giving this trade a special place in many Baghdadi homes.

Many items held sentimental value: wedding gifts, family heirlooms, or treasured keepsakes. In that sense, the Khayyat al-Farfori didn’t just fix objects he helped preserve memories.

You could find him sitting in traditional markets, or near homes and mosques, either on the ground or in his small shop, displaying his simple tools and delicately repaired pieces with remarkable craftsmanship.

With the rise of cheap plastic and glassware, the need for this trade declined. Yet it remains in Baghdad’s collective memory as one of the city’s most delicate and meaningful traditional crafts.