Ferdod
Haghighi
The expression says it all, enjoying a rare treat!, 2001
Drawing by Ferdod Haghighi at the age of 10 as a gift to
his Mother Behie Khalighi. His inspiration for this drawing was to have
a rug woven to depict his Father, Mother and older sister. His Mother
and Father are illustrated on the outside of the medallions and him and
his sister are in the medallions. An inscription reads "Ferdod" at the
bottom and "For Behie" at the top.
My
attraction and bond to old tribal rugs and textiles began at a very young
age. I literally was raised around collectable Persian and Caucasian
weavings. My Parents began a small and rapidly growing antique rug
and textile gallery in Austin, Texas when I was five. My first purchase
was from an antique fair in Austin at the age 13 , as I spotted a partially
worn early 19th century, Tekke chuval which I spent $20.00 for. My
Mother later sold it for me to a local collector for a desirable profit.
"After this sale I was eager to learn all that my Parents knew about
antique and old rugs!"
My Father
Dr.
Feridoun Haghighi a Kurd from Sanadaj was internationally
respected in the field of Kurdish rugs and weavings and I am most grateful
for the knowledge that I was able to acquired from him at such a young
age. I spent many of my weekends at local antique auction houses in search
of old treasures. It was amazing what was available at that time compared
to now.
In 1987
an embargo was placed on Persian goods imported in the US. An event which
caused a decision for us to move to Vancouver, BC. Canada to open Pegasus
Rug Gallery in 1990. I attended Capilano College in 1994 were
I studied business. During this time my knowledge and interests about
antique and old oriental carpets began to flourish. I also
became fascinated by textiles from Uzbekistan and China after some showings
from special and dear clients of ours.
After my
studies I began to manage Pegasus Rug Gallery full time. This
was not only a good means of living but something that I truly enjoyed.
I assisted in important sales as well as traveled internationally
for rare finds and purchases. I gave my first lecture on "Tribal Persian
Weavings" at University of British Colombia, for the ICCA in 1998. Also
in 1998 I began an ongoing interest in studying and collecting Islamic
Art after a showing from our friend and renowned author, Mr. Parviz Tanavoli's
private collection.
In May of
2000 the embargo was finally lifted. After a successful 10 years in West
Vancouver, BC. we decided to move our main operations to Seattle WA.
Establishing
my Gallery, Palmette Antique Gallery in 2001 in Bellevue Wa. Although
keeping to my roots as a dealer in collectible weavings, I have also ventured
into high-end production for the decorative market. A joined effort
with my friend and partner, Hassan Bahari. We are producing
a line of Carpets with the traditional weaving and dying methods of the
past century. The "Bahari" line includes traditionally made Turkeman
rugs and Bijar Carpets all with exceptional color, superior quality and
tasteful designs.
I am also
continuing my wholesaling and importing of selective decorative Persian
rugs for a number of reputable dealers in Canada and the US. A joined
effort with our exporting company Bebi Baff (est.1967) in Tehran. With
years of connections Bebi Baff is still acquiring the limited amount of
good old material left in Iran and neighboring countries. They also
continue to provide us with quality new tribal and village weavings blended
with a touch of selective traditional city made rugs and carpets.
My knowledge
is vast and always growing and I enjoy sharing it! Most of all I enjoy
adding new treasures to my growing private collection of Kurdish rugs
and weavings.