Today we get to share something extra special, an extremely fine and historically important Esfahan rug woven by one of the greatest master weaving families; Haghighi. What makes this rug extra special for Masoud and the whole Bakhtiyar team is that we recently hosted Mani Haghighi in our Hampshire showrooms for the opening of our newest Signature shop, and found out even more of this extraordinary rugs incredible history. Mani is the next generation of the Haghighi family and came to the UK to learn more about the Persian rug industry outside of Iran.
This masterpiece was purchased by Masoud in 1992 at the first Grand Carpet Exhibition in Tehran. Masoud was visiting the exhibition with his Uncle who at the time was the Head of the Persian Rug Guild in Esfahan, and whilst visiting the Haghighi stand fell in love with this gorgeous ornate all over Boteh (Paisley) design rug, instantly he knew this was a rug that wouldn’t be leaving his side and has since lived in Masoud’s office in London and is enjoyed by Maoud with a cup of Persian chai and discussion with friends.
More recently we had the honour of having the next generation of Haghighi weavers join us for the opening of our newest showroom. Knowing Mani was joining us, Masoud brought the Haghighi rug with him to enjoy Mani’s Grand Fathers work with him which lead to an extremely exciting discovery.
Whilst enjoying the carpet Mani was able to Facetime the rest of his family in the workshop to show them the carpet again where his Father was able to tell us more of this gorgeous rugs history and the fact that it was originally woven 84 years ago for the then Shah, Reza Shah Pahlavi.
Whilst this rug had always been an extremely special piece in Masoud’s personal collection it now holds and even more special place in his collection and will continued to be enjoyed for many many more years to come.