The virus of collecting which ailed me since childhood, became a full-fledged disease when I turned into an adult. The virus that I caught, however, was different than what most affluent collectors contract. Some of these collectors insist on having a bit of everything, and some only go after masterworks. Others look at it as an investment and calculate profits. But my virus had me chase after the unknown. Although I was mostly concerned with Iranian handicrafts, I wasn't unaware of the fine arts either. But I was never able to acquire whatever I desired in fine arts, and my collection never grew larger than what is included in this book.

Parviz Tanavoli