Poona-based wood work artist Farzad Irani has collaborated with calligraphist Perin Pudumjee Coyaji to incorporate her penmanship into his Zoroastrian themed designs. "A mutual friend introduced us… We met to discuss various ideas… I had long envisioned incorporating a prayer in a farohar design. Perin had her own vision centered around the prayer Arda Fravash Berasad (which is part of the afringan and other prayers) and proposed integrating it into the wings of the farohar,” Irani told Parsiana on July 2, 2024. Pudumjee Coyaji’s coffee table book on 1,001 names of Ahura Mazda was released in 2023 (see "What’s in a name?” Parsiana, September 21-October 6, 2023).
Poona based "Perin devised the initial design on paper, which I then translated into a computer-based format, incorporating my own ideas. I crafted the first prototype in wood, which we both reviewed and refined together,” stated Irani. Moving forward, ideas will continue to evolve from both the creative individuals. "While I have previously focused on designs featuring English and Gujarati scripts, this collaboration with Perin includes creations featuring Avestan calligraphy in wood.” Focused "predominantly on Zoroastrian themes,” with occasional pieces crafted upon customer request, Irani said he would handle the production of wooden prototypes while Pudumjee Coyaji will work on the calligraphy prototypes. The integration of these elements will be a collaborative endeavor.
Clockwise from above: wood art with Avestan calligraphy created by Farzad Irani and Perin Pudumjee Coyaji
It is Pudumjee Coyaji’s "personal mission” to revive the Avestan script. She told Parsiana on July 3 that she spent a long time on this new art form. "Over five weeks… working at understanding and designing the actual flow of the piece and finally giving it to (Irani) to make elegantly.” She has plans to work with other materials as well in the future. "We bow to the Asho Farohar, now we can mentally recite the invocation Arda Fravash Berasad… which is a plea for guidance and help from our dear departed.”
About the collaboration, the calligraphist said, "I am learning a lot along the way.” Currently busy with the introduction of a more accessible small prayer book version of the classic edition 1,001 Names of Ahura Mazda, an audio project of the book is on the cards.
Irani stated that he would have crafted 800 to 1,000 pieces since he started in 1994, the majority of them from 2017 onwards. "Over time, I have crafted pieces priced from Rs 150 to Rs 65,000.” The cost varies based on size, complexity, level of detail and finishing. The largest piece he created was a three dimensional farohar 5ft x 2.5 ft x 5 inches commissioned for the Sardar Sorabji Patel Agiary in Poona. "Perin and I also collaborated on an Avestan calligraphic banner to accompany this farohar, featuring the words humata, hukhta, hvarshta.” The smallest is a farohar, the size of a fingertip, measuring 16 mm x 10 mm, encased in clear resin.
So why this proclivity for Zoroastrian themes? Irani said he is deeply drawn to the faith. "The symbolism and artwork from ancient Zoroastrian lands have always inspired me… The majestic farohar… winged lamassus and angels fuel my passion for wood art… I aspire to continue this journey until my last breath… Sometimes, while crafting a piece, I feel connected to the artisans of ancient Iran…Perhaps it’s a form of reincarnation!”
Irani started creating art pieces with a handheld fretsaw. "Joining the oil industry in 1995 provided me with the means to expand my tools, eventually upgrading to an electric scroll saw during my international travels… In 2016, I voluntarily retired from the oil industry to turn my part-time hobby into a full-time pursuit… Five years ago, I further advanced my capabilities with a laser machine. Looking ahead, I plan to invest in a 3D printer and potentially a lathe, provided space allows, to continue pushing the boundaries of my craft.”
Farzad’s wife Benafsha, "his pillar of support and inspiration,” gave up her teaching job to join Farzad in wood artistry, focusing on smaller pieces and "has achieved notable success… Together, we’ve crafted numerous pieces that now adorn homes worldwide,” he stated. Fifty-three-year-old Farzad was born in Bombay. "My mother, Roshan Irani, and younger sister, Zeeba Irani, have always been my guiding lights.” Sons, Armaan (23) and Rayhaan (19), have also shown interest in artwork, with the elder son contributing several designs to Farzad’s portfolio, he stated.
Pudumjee Coyaji "unfailingly and gratefully” acknowledges the tremendous support she receives from her family for every project, especially her husband Xerxes and their twins Atash and Tishtar.
Farzad Irani may be contacted via his social media accounts.
Farrokh Jijina