TEHRAN – “The Evening of the Captives” and “The Forth Heaven”, two works by Iranian master miniaturist Mahmud Farshchian, was unveiled at the Farshchian Museum of Tehran’s Sadabad Cultural Historical Complex on Sunday.

Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif and director of Cultural Heritage Tourism and Handicrafts Organization (CHTHO) Masud Soltanifar and CHTHO deputy director Bahman Namvar Motalq attended the ceremony, Persian media reported.

“The Evening of the Captives” refers to the evening of Ashura, the day that Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions were martyred and his household was taken into captivity. “The Fourth Sky” points to the ascension of Prophet Muhammad (S).

Speaking at the ceremony, Zarif said, “Although it is hard to speak in front of the scholars and the art and cultural figures, I could not pass by this opportunity to point out the great share master Farshican has played in introducing the art and culture and the high stature of the people of this land to the world.”

“I have had this honor to present the collection of works (pictorial books) by master Farshchian as the precious gifts to the guests and ambassadors and to those who I wanted to become more acquainted with the culture of Iran, and I think I have submitted this gift to all the ambassadors,” Zarif added.

“I do not think any other artworks can showcase the spirituality, friendship and magnificence of Iran as well as works by Farshchian,” he stressed.

Soltanifar for his part praised the master and said, “Gifted people like master Farshchian shine like a gem in the world as a great honor for this country”.

Farshchian in his brief speech said, “Iranian people love culture and I try to tell everybody in the world that Iran is the land of peace and friendship.”

He expressed his happiness that his works are scheduled to go on display in the Astan-e Qods Razavi Museum in Mashhad.
Farshchian had previously painted “Evening of Ashura” and “Ali-Asghar (AS)” with Ashura as the central theme.

Photo: Master Mahmud Farshchian (L) speaks after unveiling two of his latest miniatures at the Farshchian Museum in Tehran on September 6, 2015. Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif (2nd from right), CHTHO Director Masud Soltanifar (3rd from left), and some other officials are also seen in the photo. (Mehr/Majid Asgaripur)

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