Mahmoud Dehnavi (4th annual Engraving Exhibition)

Master Mahmoud Dehnavi
Born in 1926, Isfahan

Master Mahmoud Dehnavi began learning and working in metal engraving workshops at the age of eight. His exceptional talent, enthusiasm, and dedication enabled him to become independent at a young age and to manage engraving workshops himself. He studied design under the guidance of the late Master Haj Mossavar-ol-Molk, who encouraged him to spend many years studying the motifs and decorative patterns of Isfahan’s historic monuments.

Continuing these studies, he undertook extensive research into the designs and motifs of various periods of Iranian history, including the Achaemenid, Parthian, Sassanian, and Seljuk eras. He firmly believed that an engraver must first follow and thoroughly understand the works and styles of past masters before introducing innovation.

In 1953, Master Dehnavi joined the General Office of Fine Arts, where for more than 32 years he directed its metal engraving workshop with the aim of developing, teaching, and revitalizing this art. After his retirement, he taught metal engraving and traditional design for several years at the University of Art in Tehran and Alzahra University.

His passion for research in metal engraving led him to travel to numerous countries, including Belgium, Tunisia, Egypt, India, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Italy, England, Germany, and the United States, where he participated in several art exhibitions.

Although in earlier years many of his works were acquired by ambassadors and high-ranking political officials, fortunately a number of his outstanding pieces are now part of the collection of the National Museum of Iranian Arts. In 1949, on the occasion of World Handicrafts Day, a commemorative postage stamp featuring one of Master Dehnavi’s works was issued.