CREATED WITH LOVE

TREE OF MY LIFE, 172429-297x288

I have always been fascinated by the numerous renditions of the Tree of Life in all qualities of rugs. The design of this rug is my interpretation, and I like to call it "The Tree of My Life". My life begins from an unknown infinity and will end in another beyond my senses and thus outside the parameters of the rug. In between, life twirls, dances, and bears fruits of different sizes and colours. I want to believe in life as the tree I have depicted here; a happy one with meaningful achievements. I commissioned the carpet to the weavers in Nepal, where they are respected and enjoy much better working conditions than the neighbouring countries. This carpet wouldn’t have been as attractive if not for the tree sisters; The weavers of these rugs are This Rug was three sisters, Shanti, Kamala and Sunita, from The Tamang Clan in Nepal made the rug with care and love. Shanti, Kamala and Sunita, from The Tamang Clan in Nepal We used natural wool, silk, and cotton to make this carpet. Preparing the yarn and dying the yarn is done in the most traditional ways and small lots with a minimum undesirable environmental impact.

167906, 360x240, An Azerbaijan rug from the “Silence Collection”.

Your narrative is powerful and deeply evocative. It captures the emotional and historical context behind the Silence Azerbaijan rugs in a way that’s both personal and universally relatable. The way you've woven your experiences and reflections into this project gives the rugs a layer of meaning that elevates them beyond mere objects of art or decor.

If you'd like any refinement for clarity or poetic effect, here’s a subtle revision that maintains your voice:

In 2018, after more than 30 years working across three continents, residing in multiple countries, and engaging in wholesaling, retailing, collecting, and producing rugs, I took the first step toward a profound change. The project was to collaborate with a European product designer to inject modernity into Persian rugs. Multiple trips and extensive work with Spanish designer Luis Eslava yielded a collection that earned recognition from prominent voices in the field. It was published in prestigious media, including The Interior Magazine New York, Hali Magazine, The Cover Magazine, and several online blogs. The pinnacle of the collection, which remains close to my heart, was the Silence Azerbaijan rugs produced in a workshop in Tabriz.

The "Silence" in Azerbaijan reflected my own woven experience, mirroring the stories of countless others who came to understand themselves amidst revolution, war, and the political and social turmoil in Iran. For my generation, born in the late 1960s and 1970s, it is common to be referred to as the “Burnt Generation,” having experienced the brief calm and prosperity before the revolution of 1979, only to live through the harsh years that followed. Happiness became taboo, singing and dancing were forbidden, and the names of our cities' streets transformed into tributes to martyrs.

The Silence rugs symbolize my generation—The Silenced.

The carpet here is one of the finest examples of the collection. Each of these rugs is truly unique and one of a kind, with yarn dyed using centuries-old artisanal methods and weaving carried out by skilled weavers in a small, dedicated workshop.

"Khersak" in Farsi means the little bear. However, in the carpet world, it refers to shaggy and fluffy rugs of low density that one can find in tribal and even city weavings. Some of these rugs are amazing for their minimalistic beauty and their resemblance to contemporary art.

The second picture is of one of such rugs. The Lori girl who has woven this rug circa the 1920s never saw any work of Mondrian or Kandinsky. Most certainly, she probably didn't even go to school. Yet her work could remind one of the pioneers of modern art. Seeing such incredible beautiful rugs makes me think of all the brilliant minds whose talents could have flourished and multiplied to make them great artists and more had the world been kinder to them.

This Lori girl's and others' like her creations remain and still lives for those who can see.

Inspired by "Khersak" rugs, I directed a Qashghai weaver to create the carpet in the first picture for me about 20 years ago.

No. 169483 280x194cm, A Tabriz rug, Hand-spun wool, natural dyes.

The most remarkable Persian masterpieces often bear no trace of their creators, whether designer or weaver. Such is the humility of artisans whose work endures far beyond their lifetimes, appreciated by generations to come. I often ponder the people behind these carpets and the mystery of their past, realising that through reinterpretation, we could honour their work and keep their artistry alive for future generations.

The reproduction of age-old Persian designs has been essential in preserving and carrying forward a rich legacy of patterns and symbols. Through reinterpretation, these timeless designs continue to thrive, adapting to contemporary tastes while maintaining their cultural essence.

Among the finest examples are the centuries-old designs of nomadic rugs, passed down from one generation to the next as children observe and absorb the craft from their elders. Although the stories and meanings behind these ancient creations may sometimes fade, the forms endure, aesthetics evolve, and new meanings are attached to the motifs. In this way, a long tradition remains alive and relevant.

This philosophy has inspired some of my rugs: to reimagine traditional designs with a modern twist, allowing them to fit contemporary spaces while honouring their origins. The carpet here reflects the design of an antique Sarugh rug (picture bellow), reinterpreted with a fresh color combination, ensuring that its timeless beauty remains accessible and appreciated by future generations.

172514-300x203

800604 193 x 310

HOPE

It's remarkable how even a small splash of colour amid a neutral palette of black, white, and grey can breathe life into a rug and elevate it to a sophisticated and uplifting carpet. The vivid red hue woven into this rug represents hope and a spirited drive to beautify our world. While the subdued colour scheme lends versatility to the piece, it's the red accent that sets it apart. The rug exudes optimism and vibrancy and can transform any space into an exquisite and distinct environment. Crafted from natural Himalayan wool and silk, the rug features an array of undyed shades ranging from white to black. The red hues are dyed using traditional and artisanal techniques exclusively for this piece. Expertly woven by Tibetan weavers in Nepal, this rug is a testament to their skill and artistry. 

Persian Pansies, Number, 161419-154x98

It has long been a custom to plant many little pansies at the end of autumn, just before the first snow, around my native city, Tehran—in yards, streets, and parks. Through the winter, they lay hidden beneath the snow, and then, just before the Persian New Year, Nowruz, we would wake up one morning to find the snow melting, unveiling an array of vibrant pansies.

This experience, vivid in my memory, inspired the design of this rug. It brings the essence of an eternal spring to any space, reminiscing the fragrance of flowers, the fresh pre-spring chill, and the joy that always accompanied spring's return.

The Legend of Herat, Number: 167917-287x235cm

There exists a vast wealth of rugs bearing designs passed down through centuries—elegant, mysteriously meaningful, and aesthetically remarkable. The intricate motifs and abundant elements in these classic rugs, however, can often appear overwhelming to the minimalist tastes of contemporary design, perceived as overly complex. Yet, with careful study and understanding, these rugs can inspire new interpretations that seamlessly fit modern spaces while preserving the depth and charm unique to traditional designs.

The rug here draws inspiration from the popular "Herati" or "Fish" pattern but is woven using a technique distinctly different from that used for fine carpets bearing this motif. The result is a fresh, modern take on a timeless design, achieving a look that bridges heritage with contemporary style.

SOLITUDE

When you transcend cognitive struggles and rise above the complex realm of lines, angles, shapes, and forms you perceive as restraints, you find peace and solitude in discovering your true self. 

I designed “SOLITUDE” a couple of years ago and had it woven in Nepal specifically for this occasion. It is currently on the loom, on its way to being displayed for the first time in this exhibition. The rug is exceptionally fine and can be used either on the floor or displayed as an art piece on the wall.

150x100cm

The Wall, 850253-300x210

Walls are everywhere; some we build ourselves, and others are built for us. Some stand low, while others rise high and intimidating. Some are invisible yet far more formidable than those we can see: fear, timidity, weakness...

The inspiration for this rug comes from walls—those that stand in our way, blocking us from reaching our dreams, dreams as simple as an ordinary life in peace.

This rug’s design captures a barrier that separates the familiar from the vast horizon beyond, serving as a stark reminder to its owner that while walls exist, we must take steps to reach beyond them—to the openness that lies on the other side.

THE DANCE

The outflow of emotions can imbue words with a sense of movement and dance. After only a few strokes of the pen, writing becomes a form of meditation, allowing the pen to take control and create abstract forms of emotions with each new word. Words flow easily, culminating in curvilinear shapes that glide gracefully across the page, ultimately taking on circular forms that evoke the twirling dance of the dervishes. This state of meditative writing provides a pathway to a deeper level of consciousness that allows for a connection with the innermost self. To free myself from the constraints of formalism and tradition, I made a conscious decision to omit the dots that are an integral aspect of Farsi letters. This led to the creation of a more abstract and less legible work of calligraphy, a visual diary of emotions expressed in a non-traditional way. The hypnotic effect of the twirling lines and forms in the calligraphy intrigued me to translate a segment into a rug. The creation of this rug was made possible by the exceptional perseverance and craftsmanship of Tibetan weavers in Nepal, who painstakingly and precisely transformed the design into a magnificent carpet. The result is a stunning piece of art that captures the essence of the original calligraphy, with its swirling forms and abstract expression of emotions.