Mahboubeh Kazemi Analyzes a Mir Emad Al-Hassani Nastaliq Masterpiece: From The Met and the Louvre to Baran Auction

Mahboubeh Kazemi, founder and director of Baran Auction—the first specialized auction dedicated to calligraphy and Iranian-Islamic art—offers a detailed analysis of an outstanding calligraphic work by Mir Emad Al-Hassani that was sold at the inaugural edition of the auction. Using this masterpiece as a point of departure, she highlights remarkable examples of works by the “pinnacle of Nastaliq” preserved in some of the world’s most prestigious museums

Mahboubeh Kazemi: The Middle East Must Recognize Zinat al-Sadat Emami — The Third Vertex of the Triangle Formed by Monir Farmanfarmaian and Fakhr-al-Nisa’ Zeid

The world does not know that the so-called male-dominated Middle East also produced remarkable women artists a century ago—women whose artistic creations have enriched humanity’s cultural heritage. Today, Zinat al-Sadat Emami, in her nineties in Isfahan, Iran, continues to shine. In my view, she forms the third radiant vertex alongside Monir Farmanfarmaian and Fakhr-al-Nisa’ Zeid.

Six Record-Making Masterpieces of Civilizational and Traditional Art at Baran Auction

In four editions of the Baran Auction — a specialized auction for calligraphy, Islamic art, and traditional civilizational works — many pieces have achieved remarkable records. Six such works are introduced in this article.

Four Editions of Baran Auction: A Million-Dollar Leap Through Civilizational and Authentic Artworks

One of the most significant achievements of Baran Auction has been the revitalization of the market for Islamic arts and calligraphy alongside a curated selection of modern and contemporary works—a combination that both preserves artistic roots and offers a perspective on emerging currents. This dual approach has brought Iranian and international audiences to a shared point of engagement and has elevated both the cultural and economic value of the artworks.

Ten Years Ago: Mahboubeh Kazemi’s Vision—Baran Auction, the First Specialized Auction of Calligraphy and Islamic Art, with $871,000 in Sales

A decade ago, Mahboubeh Kazemi launched Baran Auction, the first specialized auction dedicated to calligraphy and Islamic arts, featuring artists from Iraq, Turkey, and Iran, and achieving total sales of $871,000. Since 2016 (1395 SH), with the establishment of Baran Auction—the first auction in the Middle East exclusively focused on calligraphy and Islamic arts—Mahboubeh Kazemi has reminded the region of the enduring importance of its traditional and civilizational heritage. Four successful…