Hossein Alaghemandan

Holder of Equivalent Doctoral Degree in Art from Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance

He was the sage of the order and the paramount among the veterans of the engraving artists. He was thirteen when the marvel of this art touched his heart in a workshop. Blessed by God—and of course, with his endless enthusiasm flowing from the very beginning—he mastered the art in such a manner that even in his eighties, he remained potent, brisk, and as artisan as in his youthful days.

As an adolescent, his uncle, Master Mohammad Javad, introduced him to the tools and instruments of engraving, and very soon he began working independently. The master engraved innovatively and developed his own unique method. When he decided to create a new piece, he would take his time to contemplate and design the structural form along with the composition, often consulting with master shapers. It was well known among all the master shapers that, until finalizing the shape he desired, he would visit them every single day and sit for long hours to ensure he achieved his envisioned outcome.

To design the minikin patterns, just like engineers and architects, he drafted them based on geometric features and then engraved them with extraordinary elegance. His concentration, skills, and innovation—even in his eighth decade—were truly astonishing. He invested great time and patience to perfect every detail, and his high precision in creating flawless designs became one of the defining characteristics that made his artworks unique and incomparable.

The master was remarkably precise, creative, and extremely accurate. He knew many lovely and precious poems by heart. He was familiar with Iranian musical systems and, every once in a while, would brighten the souls of his companions with his orphic voice.

Among other arts, he had a deep fondness for calligraphy. Not only did he love to collect calligraphy masterpieces, but he also wrote Nastaleeq calligraphy himself, in a style that was warm and sweet.

Master Hossein Alaghemandan was a humble, hospitable, and eloquent man. It would not be an exaggeration to say that he was known by all as a benevolent and gleeful soul. However, the master had a sensitive personality and did not like to be interviewed or photographed. This is why a proper photo, worthy of his grandeur, is not presented anywhere.