I, MohammadMahdi Safdarzadeh Haghighi, was born on August 29, 1972, in Isfahan, a city where the art of carpet weaving flows through its very fabric. For me, carpet weaving has never been just a profession—it is a language, a means to tell stories and celebrate the rich culture and artistry of Iran.
With a background in architecture, I sought to combine the precision of design with the authenticity of carpet weaving, breathing new life into this timeless craft.
Every carpet I create is a reflection of love and an untold story. Each knot is not merely a technique but a fragment of history and heritage intricately embedded within the piece. My aim is to craft works that narrate the profound depth of Iranian culture while captivating the modern world with their artistic language.
This philosophy is woven into many of my creations, such as:
1. The Silk Road Carpet – The world’s largest pictorial narrative carpet, symbolizing the cultural collaboration between Iran and China.
2. The Neo-Anhalt Carpet – Inspired by a historical masterpiece housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, reimagined for the contemporary world.
3. The Zolal Carpet – Derived from Safavid architecture, with tiles as clear as the sky and three-dimensional floral and avian designs, exuding freshness and energy.
4. The Asab Carpet – A mythological design commissioned by a Kuwaiti artist deeply passionate about Arabian horses.
5. The Shah & Javan Carpet – Inspired by an illustrated Tabriz painting, this piece was exhibited on the River Seine in Paris under the Olympic Arts Committee’s prestigious project.
6. The Yassai Carpet – A spiritually rich design that beautifully integrates sacred motifs with modern elements.
7. The Goda Noor and Victoria Carpets – Exceptional creations inspired by light and grandeur.
8. The Hermes Carpet – A fusion of mythological inspiration and contemporary design, redefining the concept of luxury Persian carpets.
My works have been showcased at international exhibitions in Dubai, Shanghai, Tokyo, and Oman, earning widespread acclaim and recognition. My mission is to keep the soul of this craft alive with a fresh perspective and introduce the timeless art of Persian carpets to the world.
Originally designed by the renowned master Rostam Shirazi, this historic work was reimagined with deep respect for its foundational design. By introducing time-appropriate changes and immersing it in a sea of radiant colors, I transformed it into a luminous phenomenon. From beginning to end, the harmonious interplay of colors offers a breathtaking visual experience.
New Anhalt: The Beginning of an Art Movement
“Upon stepping into The Met in New York in 2012, A Safavid era masterpiece came to my attention. I was in awe of the magnificent Anhalt Carpet and was inspired to re-create this historical rug as a new piece of art. I spent the next six years on the design, colour and weave of a new Anhalt, drawing upon 120 years of my family’s knowledge and experience. With respect for artists past, my aim is to inspire a new generation of rug designers and producers.”
