Mirza Agha Emami.
No discussion of Isfahan’s design legacy is complete without honoring the genius of Mirza Agha Emami—a virtuoso whose mastery elevated Persian art in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in 1881 into the storied Emami family of Isfahan, he embarked on a lifelong mission to revive and redefine traditional Persian arts
Trained in Tehran under Mirza Reza Sani’e Homayoun, Emami became a trailblazing master of pyrography on leather (the ancient “sukht” technique), as well as miniature painting, lacquer, illumination, carpet design, calligraphy, and more. His deeply detailed compositions—featuring flowers, birds, courtly scenes, and literary references—are celebrated for their harmonious balance, naturalistic beauty, and spiritual resonance .
His influence rippled far beyond his own workshop: students like Hussein Khata’i and Mahmoud Farshchian carried forward his visionary style. Emami also revolutionized carpet art designing museum‑worthy carpets in collaboration with master weavers like Abdol‑rahim Shureshi and Haj Mehdi Khan, helping to spearhead Isfahan’s late‑Qajar revival movement
Among his works are xx xx
A large leather “Shirin and Khusraw” tableau (c. 1930), gilded and inscribed with Nizami verses, signed humbly but unmistakably as “Mirza Aqa Imami Isfahani” =
Superb carpets and pyrographic panels, now commanding top prices at auctions and praised for their color harmony and botanical intricacy
In every medium he touched, Emami married design precision with soulful expressiveness. His work is reminiscent of a Persian Da Vinci—not just a craftsman, but a visionary who crossed artistic boundaries and reawakened a cultural tradition. In scale, skill, and spirit, Mirza Agha Emami towers above contemporaries. To behold his work is to witness genius.
Eisa Bahadori (1905–1986) was one of the most important figures in the artistic revival of 20th-century Isfahan—a true renaissance man whose legacy bridges classical Persian art and modern interpretation.
Born in Markazi province, Bahadori studied at the prestigious Sanaye Mostazrafeh School in Tehran under the legendary painter Kamal-ol-Molk, where he developed mastery in miniature painting, drawing, and traditional crafts. In 1936, he was appointed director of the Isfahan School of Fine Arts, a position he held for nearly three decades. During this time, he played a critical role in training future luminaries—including Mahmoud Farshchian and Rostam Shirazi—and laying the foundation for a new generation of Persian artists.
Bahadori’s genius extended across multiple disciplines. He was a master painter, calligrapher, carpet and tile designer, and even an innovator in Persian khātam (inlay) and furniture design. His creativity was not limited to traditional forms; he reimagined Persian motifs in bold, often unconventional ways.
Among his most groundbreaking contributions was the introduction of tableau and portrait carpets, which transformed rugs into mediums for figurative and narrative art. He pioneered the blending of Western realism with Persian ornamentation, producing pieces like the “Starfish Carpet,” where sea creatures and oceanic forms—starfish, jellyfish—interwove with the traditional structure of Persian carpet design.
His artistic influence also extended into architecture. Bahadori designed tiles for the Christian hospital of Isabn-e-Maryam in Isfahan, creating a dialogue between Islamic floral aesthetics and Christian symbolism—an emblem of his humanistic, cross-cultural outlook.
Later in life, he was involved in carpet design for Sarouq, tailoring motifs to appeal to Western tastes, further showing his ability to navigate and fuse different visual languages. He eventually settled in France, where he died in Paris in 1986.
Throughout his life, Bahadori received numerous honors, including official recognition from Iran’s Ministry of Education, international accolades from the Brussels World Fair, and even the French Legion of Honor. His paintings and designs continue to appear in top-tier auctions, with works such as The Sanctuary of the Charbagh School in Isfahan fetching over $36,000 at Bonhams.
Eisa Bahadori is remembered not just as an artist, but as a visionary educator, designer, and reformer. He stands as one of the rare figures who both preserved the soul of Persian tradition and fearlessly redefined its possibilities for the modern world.
Hossein Khata’i represents a vital link in Isfahan’s artistic lineage. Trained under one of the greatest masters of 19th-century Persian arts, he became a custodian of those traditions and ensured their survival well into the next generation. Though not as widely recognized as Emami or Farshchian, Khata’i’s specific contributions—especially in engraving and embossing—keep alive the techniques that lie at the heart of the Emami legacy.
According to Zinat al-Sadat Emami—Emami’s daughter and a renowned artist in her own right—Khata’i was among her father’s closest pupils, Khata’i specialized in engraving and embossing, particularly in the Safavid style, and played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting these traditional techniques. His influence extended directly into the next generation, as Zinat al-Sadat herself learned the art of Safavid-style metal engraving under his guidance. Though his individual works may not be widely documented or auctioned today, Khata’i’s importance lies in his role as a custodian of Emami’s legacy—a craftsman and teacher who safeguarded the integrity and continuity of Persian ornamental art through skill, mentorship, and devotion to classical aesthetics.
Mahmoud Farshchian: Master of Persian Miniature Revival
Mahmoud Farshchian (born 1930 in Isfahan, Iran) is widely regarded as the foremost master of modern Persian miniature painting, credited with revitalizing and transforming this centuries-old art form for the contemporary era. Coming from Isfahan—a historic center of Persian art and culture—Farshchian was immersed in the rich heritage of miniature painting from an early age.
Early Life and Training
Farshchian studied at the Isfahan School of Fine Arts, where he was mentored by some of the leading artists of the time, including Eisa Bahadori and other prominent figures who themselves were heirs to the traditional Persian artistic lineage. His education combined classical miniature techniques with influences from Western art, allowing him to create a unique, dynamic style.
Artistic Style and Innovations
Farshchian’s work is distinguished by:
Expressive Movement and Emotion: His miniatures break from the static tradition, introducing fluid, almost impressionistic brushwork that conveys deep emotion and energy.
Innovative Composition: While respecting the classical miniature format, he experiments with perspective, scale, and color, creating expansive, dramatic scenes filled with symbolic meaning.
Spiritual and Mystical Themes: His paintings often explore Sufi philosophy, Persian poetry, and themes of love, divine beauty, and the human soul.
Rich Use of Color and Detail: Farshchian’s pieces display meticulous detail, vibrant colors, and intricate patterns, blending traditional motifs with his own inventive flourishes.
Legacy and Recognition
Farshchian has been instrumental in popularizing Persian miniature art both inside Iran and internationally.
His artworks are housed in major museums worldwide and have been featured in numerous exhibitions.
Beyond painting, he has worked on calligraphy, tile designs, and other traditional Persian arts.
Farshchian’s influence extends through his many students and followers, who continue to develop and spread his innovative approach to Persian art.
He has received numerous honors for his contributions to art and culture, including national awards from Iran.
Javad Rostam Shirazi (1919–2005) was a distinguished Iranian artist renowned for his pivotal role in the resurgence of Persian miniature painting and his innovative contributions to carpet design. Born in Isfahan, a city celebrated for its rich artistic heritage, Rostam Shirazi was deeply influenced by the classical traditions of Persian art. He was a student of Eisa Bahadori at the Isfahan School of Fine Arts and later studied at the University of Tehran's College of Fine Arts under prominent instructors such as Ali Mohammad Heydarian, Aftandilian, and Hassan Foroughi .
In 1958, he was honored with the Gold Medal of Painting from Belgium, recognizing his exceptional talent and contribution to the arts .
Rostam Shirazi's artistic endeavors were not confined to painting alone. He made significant strides in the realm of carpet design, collaborating with renowned weavers like Sadegh Seirafian. One of his notable works is the "Fish Arabesque" carpet, designed by Rostam Shirazi and woven by Masoumeh Eghdami. This exquisite piece features a navy-blue background adorned with fish-shaped arabesques and khata'i designs, reflecting a harmonious blend of traditional motifs and innovative design .
His designs are characterized by their decorative nature, often independent of specific themes, and an inclination towards creating diversity and innovation in traditional compositions. He employed unconventional methods in dividing background spaces and utilized a variety of rotations and forms, setting his work apart from conventional designs .
Beyond his artistic creations, Rostam Shirazi was a dedicated educator. He began teaching at the Isfahan School of Fine Arts in 1943 and continued his tenure until his retirement in 1976. During this period, he imparted his knowledge to numerous students, including Akbar Mahdiei, who later became a master in his own right, contributing to the perpetuation and evolution of Persian artistic traditions .
Rostam Shirazi's legacy is a testament to his dedication to preserving and innovating within the rich tapestry of Persian art. His works continue to inspire and influence artists and art enthusiasts worldwide.
Mohammad Ebrahim Minaian: Master of Isfahan’s Artistic Heritage
Mohammad Ebrahim Minaian (1923–2008) was a distinguished Iranian artist, painter, educator, and influential figure in the revival and preservation of Persian traditional arts, particularly in Isfahan. Renowned for his mastery of Persian miniature painting, calligraphy, and tile design, Minaian also made important contributions to Persian carpet weaving, blending artistry with craftsmanship.
Background and Training
Born and raised in Isfahan, a city celebrated for its rich artistic and weaving traditions, Minaian was immersed in its cultural heritage from an early age. He studied at the Isfahan School of Fine Arts and later at the University of Tehran’s College of Fine Arts, where he honed his skills under the guidance of prominent masters in Persian arts.
Artistic Style and Contributions
Minaian’s paintings are noted for their intricate detail, vibrant colors, and poetic compositions, reflecting deep spiritual and cultural themes. Beyond painting and tile work, Minaian played a vital role in the design and development of carpets. His expertise in miniature painting and traditional motifs informed his carpet designs, helping to innovate within the classical Persian carpet tradition.
He collaborated closely with master weavers and workshops in Isfahan, applying his refined artistic vision to create carpets that combined the complexity of miniature motifs with the tactile beauty of handwoven textiles. This fusion helped elevate the status of Isfahan carpets in both domestic and international markets during the mid-20th century.
Legacy
Minaian was not only an accomplished artist but also a dedicated educator, ensuring the transmission of traditional Persian arts, including carpet design, to future generations. His influence is evident in the continuing vibrancy of Isfahan’s artistic and weaving communities. His works remain in museums, galleries, and private collections worldwide, underscoring his lasting impact on Persian art and craftsmanship.
Mohammad Hossein Mosavvar al‑Molki (1890–1977)
Background & Education
Born in 1890 in Isfahan, into a family of painters whose lineage can be traced back to the Safavid era
Initially trained by his father in traditional painting, he later supported himself painting pencil boxes and other decorative prints
Artistic Practice & Style
A multidisciplinary artist, excelling in miniature painting, Tash‘īr (ornamental illumination), oil painting, illustration, poetry, and notably carpet design
Deeply influenced by classical masters: Kamāl‑al‑Dīn Behzād and Reza Abbasi. Later in life, he traveled to Paris to bridge Persian and Western pictorial styles—meeting renowned Iranologist Arthur Upham Pope, for whom he prepared botanical motifs for a book on Iranian carpets
Major Achievements
Awarded a medal by King George V at the London International Exhibition for a painting of mosque worshippers artchart.net.
Won a gold medal at the 1958 Brussels International Exhibition with his painting Persepolis
Participated in the restoration of Chehel Sotoun Palace murals in Isfahan during the 1940s, showcasing his mastery of Safavid-era techniques .
Contributions to Carpets & Decorative Arts
Designed complex carpet patterns, including botanical motifs that became prominent in Iranian carpets of the era.
One celebrated piece, The Isfahan Prayer Rug, now housed in the Carpet Museum of Iran, features poetic inscriptions and architectural elements like mihrabs and minarets—attributed to his design expertise .
Legacy & Passing
His former home in Isfahan has been preserved as a museum, and he passed away in 1977 .
Beyond carpets, he is remembered as a leading figure in Isfahan's artistic revival, whose fusion of Iranian and Western painting traditions influenced generations of artists and designers .
Abbas Karabision (ابـّاس کـَرباسیون اصفهانی)
Born: 1301 AH (1922) in the Chaharsou‑Aliqoli neighborhood of Isfahan
Died: 9 Khordad 1371 SH (May 30, 1992) in Isfahan
Abbas Karabision was a renowned Persian designer of carpets and traditional tilework, celebrated in Isfahan for reviving and elevating classical Persian motifs—including the intricate arabesque (eslimi) and Persian miniature (khata'i) patterns. Born into a lineage of Isfahani architects and builders, he completed elementary schooling before pursuing art. He began as a disciple of Haj Hossein Mosavar al-Molki (Mossavvar al-Molki), mastering carpet design and then studied under Master Ahmad Archang—from whom he learned refined techniques in both carpet and tile planning .
By age 18, Karabision was working independently, producing intricate eslimi and khata'i designs on large-scale surfaces. Beyond carpets, he created tile designs for prestigious Islamic and civic sites including shrines in Damascus (Sayeda Zainab Mosque) and Karbala & Najaf (Imam Abbas & Imam Hussein Shrines), the Imam Reza Shrine, the Tabatabaei Mosque in Qom, Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Goharshad Mosque (Mashhad), and several historic mosques and madrasas in Isfahan and Tehran .
Master Ali Panjeh-Pour, himself a celebrated tile art master, referred to Karabision as a “prodigy and reviver of tile-design in the contemporary era” .
Abbas Karabision’s legacy is found in the sweeping tile panels and carpet designs that grace major Iranian shrines and public spaces—spanning carpet workshops and architectural traditions. His stylistic command of lavish arabesques and detailed khata'i compositions helped cement a bridge between Isfahan's Safavid heritage and its mid-20th-century revival.
Akbar Mahdiei (1954–February 2025)
Born: October 1, 1954 in the Hatef neighborhood, Isfahan
Died: February 5, 2025
Early Life & Education
Akbar Mahdiei grew up in a middle-class family in Isfahan. He began learning carpet design at age 11, receiving early training from master painters Jazi‑zadeh and Javad Rostam Shirazi at the Isfahan School of Fine Arts in 1968–69. Though financial pressures forced him to leave school temporarily in the early 1970s, he continued his education at night while working at master Rahmatollah Shadman’s studio until about 1975. In 1976, he earned a high-school diploma and founded his own carpet-design workshop near Isfahan’s rug bazaar.
Artistic Style & Contributions
Innovative floral and narrative designs: Mahdiei is celebrated as a pioneer of Golfarang rugs—lush, garden-inspired carpets filled with flowers, birds, and natural imagery.
Masterful color use: He is renowned for his vibrant color palettes—rose reds, purple irises—meticulously developed using traditional dyeing methods .
Narrative & pictorial work: His rugs, such as A Girl at the Door, The Angels, and the WIPO-commissioned rug, blend storytelling, mythic imagery, and precise artistry in silk-and-wool weaving.
Career Highlights & Recognition
In 2001, he won "Best Rug Designer" and officially registered the “Mahdiei Rugs” brand .
In the early 2000s, he earned the prestigious Golden Comb design award and was named his region’s top carpet designer in three consecutive seasons .
He served on the board of the Handwoven Carpet Designers Association of Isfahan, collaborated with the National Carpet Center of Iran, and exhibited in over 66 domestic and international shows .
Legacy & Passing
Akbar Mahdiei dedicated his life to modernizing Persian rug design. He merged traditional motifs with contemporary innovation, passionately believing in the “scientific” evolution of the art form albahie.com+1. His style remains influential in Isfahan’s weaving workshops. His brand is officially trademarked, and many of his 70+ original designs are protected by intellectual property and ISO certification . His passing on February 5, 2025, was deeply felt in Iran’s carpet and art communities