Akbar Mahdiei

The Creator of Colorful Gardens in Persian Rugs

“Akbar Mahdiei is one of the legends in the contemporary Persian carpet industry with highly experienced in designing and painting Persian rug patterns, especially in narrative and floral patterns called Golfarang.”

The Story of Akbar Mahdiei Life

Akbar Mahdiei was born in Isfahan in 1954 with a strong passion in Persian arts and literacy. Despite the fact that his family did not work in the rug industry, he pursued his aspirations from an early age. He began studying Persian rug painting when he was 11 years old. The colors in this artwork were combined using sophisticated procedures that required considerable accuracy and ability. Akbar continued his education at Isfahan's premier fine art school at the time. He grew under the mentorship of famous masters such as Jazizadeh and Rostam Shirazi.

As the son of a middle-class family, he left his high school in 1971 to seek a career in the Persian rug industry. He worked at Isfahan's traditional carpet and rug bazaar. Though he was busy weaving carpets at the time and working in rug store, his exceptional talent and love for Persian culture led him to finish his schooling and earn a literacy credential in 1976 by supporting of his employer.

In this business, Mahdiei shown great consistency and innovation. He won the best rug designer award in 2001 and registered his brand under his name. He was able to win first place in several competitions for Persian carpets and the arts and rose to the position of top artist and rug producer in Isfahan. Mahdiei Rugs is famous for its delicate patterns and vibrant hues. These rugs manifest nature; an excellent combination of roses, birds on branches of plants, and other creatures from our unique planet. Akbar Mahdiei explores painting motifs with precision and sensitivity. He is currently one of the most creative pioneers in Persian Isfahan rugs.

Top Features of Mahdiei Carpets and Rugs

✔ Woven in the highest quality with the best and delicate fibers, especially silk and wool.
✔ Mahdiei rugs have silk foundation woven in high density (High Radj) and include many knots.
✔ One of the most identifiable aspects of Mahdiei rugs is the color combinations. Mahdiei rugs contain vibrant colors influenced by nature.
✔ The designs are primarily floral patterns, geometrical Islamic motifs, and pictorial narrative designs.
✔ Red and Pink roses, purple irises, and lilies are signs of Mahdiei rugs.

Famous Artworks and Carpets of Akbar Mahdiei

A Girl at The Door Rug

One of the unique and adorable designs and artworks of Akbar Mahdiei is the rug you see on the left. This beautiful carpet is a particular Isfahan rug in unrivaled design, representing a Persian girl in traditional custom at the door. What makes the rug admirable are the elements in motifs and colors. The girl's costume is designed with tiny blossoms and covered by a quilted cream fabric that is delicately displayed. The door also has patterns of women's faces and two stunning vases of irises flowers in blue. Girih tiles surround the doors with excellent components and vivid colors. Also, there's a semicircular window with colorful glasses at the top of the door, which belongs to Persian architecture. This rug contains high-grade silk fibers in high knot density.

The WIPO Rug

In 2022, Akbar Mahdiei registered a masterpiece in The sixty-third session of the General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organization between 193 representatives from different countries. This rug contains an impressive design inspired by Persian art combined with the WIPO identity. You can see the organization's logo at the center of the carpet, shining at the top and surrounded by a garden of plants and birds at the bottom. The rug is woven with high knot density and silk fibers.

The Angels

Most rugs of Akbar Mahdiei are surprising! This slotted rug, known as the curtain rug in Iran, is woven for one of the best museums of Persian carpets and rugs in Iran. The rug has gorgeous green color and a pattern of two angels, creating a holy picture. Mahdiei designed the rug in praise of God with his unique styles representing many beautiful floral motifs and stunning colors. You can see text under the carpet relating to Qoran about God's grace. This unique masterpiece is now kept in Astan Quds Razavi Museums near Imam Reza shrine in Iran.

Kumeh Rug

In the Persian language dictionary, Kumeh is mentioned as shelter and nest, and for this purpose and meaning, nest-like bouquets and bouquets sheltering each other have been used in the design of this rug. Also, in the traditional design of Persian arts, individual bouquets without connections are called Kumeh. The size of this carpet is unique (1.5 x 3 meters), and a special meaning has been observed in the border design in terms of novelty. The central medallion has traditional Safavid motifs with bird patterns, and the background is full of floral motifs dedicated to Mahdiei rug styles in beautiful colors.