It’s no coincidence that Isfahan is called the "City of Masters." In the heart of its old neighborhoods, wherever you step, you’ll find traces of mastery and artistry so much so that you can’t tell whether you’re walking through the city of Isfahan or a painting.
Isfahan Carpet
It’s no coincidence that Isfahan is called the "City of Masters." In the heart of its old neighborhoods, wherever you step, you’ll find traces of mastery and artistry so much so that you can’t tell whether you’re walking through the city of Isfahan or a painting. Isfahan carpets reached their peak during the Safavid era, crafted by great masters of the art. This pinnacle made them the finest among urban carpets.
The History of Isfahan Carpets
The grandeur and glory of Isfahan flourished during the Safavid era, particularly under Shah Abbas I. Shah Abbas not only supported carpet weaving workshops but also initiated the export of carpets to Europe, marking a significant milestone in the history of this art.
Dr. Taghi Bahrami has documented Isfahan's carpet weaving in two golden periods: the Safavid era, which he calls the "Golden Age of Carpet Weaving," and the Qajar period under the governance of Zell-e Soltan, the son of Naser al-Din Shah.
Dr. Bahrami emphasizes that carpet weaving in Isfahan held extraordinary importance during the Safavid period. The market for silk carpets, in particular, flourished, and the local artisans devoted themselves to weaving exquisite carpets, leaving behind timeless masterpieces. Today, many of the most valuable Iranian carpets displayed in museums in London, Paris, and various locations across Europe and the United States originate from Isfahan.
After the fall of the Safavid dynasty, however, this industry, along with other crafts, gradually declined. Over the past century, carpet weaving nearly vanished, becoming a forgotten art. By the late Qajar period during Naser al-Din Shah's reign, there were no carpet workshops left in Isfahan.
The revival of carpet weaving began when Zell-e Soltan, the ruler of Isfahan, married a woman from Kurdistan who was knowledgeable about carpets. She encouraged the establishment of several looms, sparking resurgence in carpet weaving and paving the way for its return to prominence.
The Safdarzadeh Haghighi Family
The Safdarzadeh Haghighi family holds a prominent place in the history of Isfahan’s handwoven carpet industry, known for reviving the art during its decline in the Qajar era.
Haj Mehdi Safdarzadeh Haghighi
Haj Mehdi Safdarzadeh Haghighi, the founder of Haghighi Carpets, was a key figure in reviving handwoven carpet production in Isfahan, an art that had been neglected since the Qajar period. He established some of the first centralized workshops for carpet weaving, utilizing knowledge from the National Library archives to educate artisans.
Collaborating with prominent designers like Haj Mosavar al-Molki and Haj Mirza Agha Emami, who specialized in handwoven carpet patterns, he introduced a significant evolution in the designs of Isfahan carpets. This innovation helped restore the city's reputation as a center of carpet artistry.
Haj Mehdi passed away in 1909 (1288 AH), but his dedication to the craft was carried forward by his son, Master Mehdi Khan, and subsequent generations.
Gholamali Safdarzadeh Haghighi
Born in 1916 (1295 AH) in Isfahan, Gholamali was a pivotal figure in continuing the family's legacy. He left school in his third year of high school to apprentice under his father, gaining invaluable experience in the art and business of carpet production.
At the young age of 19, Gholamali took charge of the family workshop, which was renowned as the most prominent and centralized carpet weaving workshop in Isfahan. It was also a notable attraction for tourists visiting the city. Under his leadership, the workshop flourished, continuing the Safdarzadeh Haghighi family's tradition of excellence in carpet production.
A Legacy of Mastery and Innovation
From Haj Mehdi’s pioneering efforts to Gholamali’s skilled management, the Safdarzadeh Haghighi family has left an indelible mark on the history of Isfahan carpets. Their innovations in both technique and design have ensured that the artistry of handwoven carpets remains a treasured aspect of Persian culture.
Getting to Know Feyzollah Haghighi
Master Feyzollah Safdarzadeh Haghighi, the son of Master Mehdi Khan, was one of the pioneers of the art of hand-woven carpets in Isfahan. He was born in 1942 (1321 AH) in Isfahan, the cradle of art and culture in Iran, into a family with over a century-long tradition in carpet weaving. Driven by his deep passion for painting and his father’s profession, he pursued his education at the Isfahan School of Fine Arts, where he studied miniature painting under the late Master Rostam Shirazi.
His career highlights include collaborating with Iran's Cultural Heritage Organization on the restoration of historical building paintings alongside an Italian team.
A Legacy in Carpet Weaving and Beyond
Master Safdarzadeh was a remarkable artist, known for his expertise in both carpet weaving and miniature painting. He was a student of renowned masters Isa Bahadori and Rostam Shirazi at the Isfahan School of Fine Arts. Beyond carpet weaving, he also excelled in the restoration of historical monuments.
He was the creator of the Silk Road Carpet, the largest carpet tableau in the world, and served as an enduring ambassador for the art of Iranian carpets in China. Tragically, he passed away due to a heart condition, just a month after the death of his artist brother, Master Yadollah Safdarzadeh Haghighi.
An Artistic Heritage
Master Feyzollah Haghighi left behind a rich legacy of more than 60 exquisite works in the art of carpet weaving. His masterpieces include The Celestial Court of Imam Reza (AS), The Prayer Hall of Vakil Mosque in Shiraz, and Chehel Sotoun Palace in Isfahan. These iconic works are preserved in the treasure troves of Astan Quds Razavi.
His unparalleled contributions to the art of handwoven carpets continue to inspire and uphold the timeless tradition of Persian craftsmanship.
Yadollah Safdarzadeh Haghighi: A Master of Isfahan Carpets
Yadollah Safdarzadeh Haghighi, born in 1927 (1306 AH) in Isfahan, was a celebrated carpet producer whose works embodied profound literary, mystical, and cultural meanings. His hand-woven carpets were distinguished by their exceptional balance of vibrant colors in both light and dark shades, reflecting unparalleled craftsmanship.
Artistry and Legacy
Master Safdarzadeh's remarkable carpets are preserved in some of the most prestigious museums, including the Astan Quds Razavi museum. Among these masterpieces are six exquisite carpets with evocative titles such as:
- The Seven Cities of Love
- Meeting the Creator (Mecca)
- The Secret of Existence (Medina)
- Paradise: The Coral Gardens
- The World of Fish.
At the age of 85, on the birth anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), Master Yadollah gifted a breathtaking handwoven carpet, valued at one million dollars, to the Astan Quds Razavi shrine. He described this piece as a labor of love for Imam Hussein (AS).
A Masterpiece Inspired by Ashura
The creation of this masterpiece was deeply rooted in devotion. The design was based on the unique and skilled pen of Master Mahmoud Farshchian, a celebrated Iranian painter and miniature artist. The process of conceptualizing, designing, and hand-weaving the carpet took eight years each, a total of 16 years of dedication.
The carpet measures 3.5 by 3.15 meters and is made from silk and wool, dyed entirely with natural colors. Master Safdarzadeh guaranteed the vibrancy of the colors for a century, emphasizing their longevity and stability.
Scenes Depicted in the Carpet
The design captures emotionally stirring scenes from the Day of Ashura, including:
- The martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS).
- Angels welcoming Imam Hussein (AS).
- The severed hand of Hazrat Abbas (AS).
Through his artistry, Yadollah Safdarzadeh Haghighi immortalized the spiritual and cultural essence of Persian carpet weaving, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, creativity, and unmatched craftsmanship.