The fifth edition of the Baran auction, specializing in Iranian and Islamic art, will take place in Tehran on Friday, October 30th. The event will feature works of traditional calligraphy and Persian miniature painting, including a piece by the late Iranian master Mahmoud Farshchian titled 'Third Feather.'
As reported by the IRNA agency on Monday, the event will be held at 5:00 PM at the Rayzan International Conference Center. Prior to the sale, a public exhibition of selected works will be available at the same venue on October 28th and 29th, allowing art lovers, researchers, and collectors to view the exhibits in advance.
This new edition continues Baran Auction's commitment to preserving and promoting Iran's calligraphic heritage while simultaneously expanding the representation of traditional visual arts. In addition to calligraphic pieces, this year's collection includes works from the country's miniature painting tradition, highlighting the historical link between these two art forms.
Among the featured works is Farshchian's 'Third Feather,' whose paintings often draw inspiration from Persian literature, spirituality, and mythology. Organizers note that this work evokes associations with the mythical Simurgh feather, a legendary bird connected to wisdom and spiritual enlightenment in Persian literature. It is described as a symbol of hope, renewal, and awareness, reflecting the enduring power of Iranian cultural thought.
Calligraphy remains a central element of the Baran Auction's identity. Previous editions have showcased works related to prominent figures in the history of Iranian calligraphy, such as Mir Emad Hassani, Darvish Abdolmajid Talekani, and Mirza Holamreza Isfahani, as well as works by contemporary artists.
The fourth edition of the Baran Auction, held in 2019, demonstrated the market appeal of traditional Iranian art. At that time, five folios from a rare copy of Ferdowsi's 'Shahnameh,' executed in the Nasta'liq style during the Timurid period (1370–1507), were sold for over $2.1 million. The auction, held at the Tehran International Conference Center, featured 94 works that generated over $6 million in revenue, although 25 lots did not find buyers.
Other significant sales included a miniature portrait of Princess Nawab Akbar Begum, created by an Indian artist during the Zand dynasty (1751–1794), which sold for over $1.3 million, and a cylinder with a Persian translation of the Cyrus Cylinder, executed by calligrapher Hossein Niktalab, which went to market for approximately $930,000.
These results underscored the commercial potential of traditional and Islamic Iranian art in the local art market. By combining calligraphy and miniature painting, the fifth edition aims to present a broader view of Iran's artistic heritage, providing a platform for the recognition and appreciation of works rooted in its cultural traditions.
Baran Auction, founded by Mahboubeh Kazemi Dolabi in 2016, specializes in calligraphic paintings and calligraphic works.
