TEHRAN -- Master of Persian miniature Mahmud Farshchian was honored for his lifetime achievements during a ceremony held at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall on Thursday.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Abbas Salehi called Farshchian an icon of contemporary Iranian art and said, “Farshchian blends poetry and pictures to produce his works.”

“He has actually brought images and words closer to one another. He showed how one can have roots in tradition but create modern symbols, and make them tangible for the visitors,” he added.

Cultural activist Ahmad Masjed-Jamei, who is also a member of the Tehran City Council said, “Farshchian actually directs art to create a single tableau.”

“His paintings on religious themes have helped elevate the level of religious art,” he noted.

Calligrapher Yadollah Kaboli, who has collaborated with Farshchian on several projects, said that the miniature paintings created by great Iranian artists show an unmatched beauty of God.

“Farshchian is the national artist of Iran, a spiritual artist with a global reputation, who has brought national pride for his country for over half a century,” he stated.

The ceremony was followed by unveiling books by Farshchian and several famous calligraphers, which have been published by the Gooya House of Culture and Art. 

The Divan of Hafez inscribed by calligrapher Rasul Moradi decorated with miniature paintings by Farshchian as well as the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam by calligrapher Amir-Ahmad Falsafi also bearing the paintings of Farshchian were among the books unveiled at the ceremony.

A book containing copies of recent works by Farshchian was also included.

Farshchian was born in Isfahan, a city renowned for its art and skilled artists, and studied painting under the supervision of Haj Mirza Aqa Emami and Isa Bahadori. He later traveled to Europe where he studied painting and conducted research in museums for several years.
 
Farshchian’s masterpieces have been hosted by numerous museums and exhibitions worldwide. He is recognized as the most important modernizing influence in the field of miniatures. His name has been registered on Britain’s list of 2000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st century and collectors feel it a great honor to possess one of his creations.

Photo: Mahmud Farshchian (3rd left) and a number of guests unveil several books bearing his miniature paintings during a ceremony at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall on September 21, 2017. (Tasnim/Hamed Malekpur)

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