OMID GHIBI
QUEENISSIMA
C FTING ELEGANCE:
The Upcoming Showcase of Master Persian Rug Designer and Collector, Omid Ghibi
In the world of luxury Persian rugs, one name stands out above the rest—Omid Ghibi. A master Persian Rug Designer and Collector with over 35 years of experience, Omid has dedicated his life to preserving and showcasing Iran’s rich cultural heritage. He views his creations as bridges between the past and the present, between Iran and the world, inviting all who encounter his work to embark on a journey through time and space. His upcoming showcase promises to be a celebration of elegance, craftsmanship, and artistry like no other.
A Legacy Woven Through Time: Omid Ghibi’s Journey
Omid Ghibi is not just a master Persian Rug Designer; he is a passionate collector of the finest antiques and rare rugs, a distinguished artist at the Los Angeles Art Fair, and a renowned figure in the art of design and restoration of antique Persian rugs. His expertise spans decades, with a profound focus on Persian miniature and illuminated Qur’an manuscripts. Omid’s collections, ranging from the Qajar era to the Safavid era, are a testament to his deep appreciation for Persian history. Many of his rugs are housed in the world’s most prestigious museums, showcasing pieces so rare that some are unique, with any existing counterparts being preserved in museum collections He has a few hundred pieces of intangible rugs that only one in the world has, and if there is another example, it will be in the world’s museums. He has collected them over eighteen years,ranging from the Safavid era to the end of the Reza Shah Pahlavi era.
Omid’s path in the world of Persian rug making is intricately woven with threads of heritage and passion. His formative years were steeped in the rich traditions of rug weaving, an art form that has been a cornerstone of Persian culture for centuries.
Surrounded by family members involved in rug making, Omid was truly born into the craft. Initially pursuing studies in pharmacology after high school, he soon realized his true calling lay in art. A year after enrolling in university, Omid made the pivotal decision to return home and embrace his artistic roots.
Under the tutelage of world-renowned masters, Omid swiftly honed his skills, progressing from a curious apprentice to a skilled Persian Rug Designer and Collector. With every meticulous knot he tied, he enhanced his expertise in repair, weaving, dyeing, and shaving, perfecting his craft to a level of mastery. Through his skilled craftsmanship, Omid not only conserves the heritage of Persian rug making but also advances it by fusing classic designs with innovative ideas. His journey is not just about creating rugs; it’s about keeping the essence of Persian culture alive and vibrant for the world to see and appreciate.
International Influence and Expansion
A notable milestone in Omid’s career was the invitation from the Museum of Persian rug to work on establishing a unique collection in Iran as a public exhibition. This exhibition was warmly welcomed by masters of Persian rugs and artists alike, further cementing Omid’s reputation as a guardian of Persian cultural heritage. The value of Omid’s collection of rugs reaches several million dollars, as estimated by experts. He is passionate about mentoring young artists, aiming to inspire
Omid Ghibi began learning the art of rug designing at a young age. From dyeing to coloring, he developed his skills over the years, gradually becoming a master in the field of rug trade. He began collaborating with groups in Europe, and after a few years, moved to Japan to start his independent journey. Omid is a member of the board of directors of the Persian Rug Association in Japan and is one of the most influential rug traders in Japan, having expanded his influence to numerous exhibitions.
His work is characterized by the blending of traditional Persian techniques with modern innovations. Omid’s approach involves using traditional materials such as silk, wool, and natural dyes while incorporating contemporary designs and motifs. This fusion results in unique pieces that maintain the integrity of Persian art while appealing to modern sensibilities. Each rug is a testament to his commitment to quality and authenticity, often requiring months or even years to complete.
Treasures of the Past: Iconic Rugs in Omid’s Collection
Among Omid’s most prized possessions is the Poulenc Rug, a 450-year-old masterpiece dating back to the Safavid period. This rug is one of the group of rugs created during the Safavid era, famed for its intricate designs and exceptional craftsmanship. The Poulenc rug, also known as the Suzan-e Shir or Lion Needle, is celebrated for two main reasons: its service and quality. Polonaise rug, or Lion Needle, is woven with silk threads that are coated with silver and gold, known as ‘Golabatoon.’ The production and creation of these threads require high precision and delicacy to be able to wrap a strand of silver and gold around the silk thread, which itself is very delicate,” Omid explains. The weaving of these rugs demands high experience and skill, as the elasticity of the threads is less compared to silk thread due to the use of metal. This rug is woven with utmost precision and delicacy and features a very subtle color combination formed with only seven hues. The colors are used in such a way that the golden color stands out more than the others. Recently, Christie’s auction in London put two expensive Polonaise or Lion Needle rugs from Iran up for sale. These two Polonaise silk-woven rugs from Isfahan, woven in the seventeenth century, were sold at Christie’s in London. One rug, measuring 205 by 141 centimeters, sold for £3,895,000,
Another remarkable piece in Omid’s collection is a rug woven in Isfahan, approximately 140 years old. This rug belongs to the category of pictorial rugs, with its design featuring a ‘Mihrabi’ motif that creates a frame-like effect for the main image. The central image of the rug depicts Nader Shah Afshar, clad in jewel-adorned clothing and a jeweled sword, closely resembling the attire of the Qajar era. The borders of the rug narrate romantic and legendary tales like those of Layla and Majnun, Shirin and Farhad, and Khosrow and Shirin, weaving a narrative from the beginning to the end of these famous stories.
Cultural Significance of Rugs
Persian rugs are not just decorative items; they are woven stories that capture historical events, legends, and cultural milestones. Omid’s collection serves as a living museum of Persian history, with each piece telling a story of its own. This deep cultural significance is why Persian rugs have remained treasured around the world, offering more than just beauty but also a glimpse into a rich and storied past.
Bridging Cultures: Mary Gari’s Story
Omid Ghibi was looking for someone to showcase one of his unique works of art, and this search led him to Mary Gari through her mentor, Mr. Jimmy Sedghi. Mr. Sedghi is a well-known figure in the Persian American community and is very famous in Beverly Hills. His deep connections within the cultural and artistic circles of the city enabled him to introduce Omid Ghibi to this vibrant community.
Mary Gari’s story is a tapestry woven with resilience, ambition, and a touch of magic. In 2014, she arrived in the United States to pursue a Master of Multimedia in California. As an immigrant,
she faced numerous ups and downs over her ten years in the country, with each hurdle serving as a testament to her unwavering spirit. Yet, amidst the challenges, a childhood dream flickered—to represent her heritage on a global stage.
In 2023, that dream began to materialize when Mary entered the Miss Asia USA beauty pageant. With the guidance and mentoring of Mr. Jimmy Sedghi, Mary refined her presentation and amplified her cultural message. Mr. Sedghi’s experience and connections provided Mary with invaluable support, helping her navigate the competitive world of beauty pageants and encouraging her to embrace her role as a cultural ambassador. Mary’s dedication culminated in her winning the title of Miss Global Ambassador. But for Mary, this wasn’t the finish line. It was a magnificent starting point. Now, crowned and empowered, she carries the torch of unity. As a Persian artist, model and businesswoman, Mary aspires to bridge cultures, promoting kindness, humanity, and the transformative power of art. Her voice resonates with a powerful message: unity is not just a dream; it’s a masterpiece waiting to be unveiled.
Through Mr. Sedghi, Omid and Mary met, discovering a shared passion for showcasing Persian art and culture. Inspired by Omid’s dedication to preserving Persian heritage, Mary decided to become a model to represent his ghalamkari dresses, beautifully handcrafted garments that embody the elegance and tradition of Persian craftsmanship. This collaboration is not just about fashion; it is about highlighting the artistic richness of Iran and fostering cultural exchange.
Mr. Sedghi has also taken on the role of director for Omid’s upcoming event on September 8th at the Gallery of the City of Beverly Hills. This event is set to be a grand showcase of Omid’s exquisite rugs and ghalamkari designs, with Mary playing a pivotal role in bringing these works to life on the runway.
Maryam said: “Wearing this beautiful and meaningful Persian dress was an honor. Knowing the magic that went into its creation, the work of a true Persian artist, fills me with a special kind of pride. It’s more than just a garment; it’s a representation of a rich artistic heritage, and I felt privileged to embody its beauty on the runway. His story is a vibrant reminder that with passion, perseverance, and a touch of magic, even the most fantastical dreams can be sculpted into reality.”
