In the heart of Grand Bazaar in Tehranamong intricate alleys and passages, there is a small corner of creativity called Medad Rafia one-stop shop run by Mohammad Rafi. With over 30 years of activity, this tiny place of just three square meters is entirely dedicated to colored pencilsa real oasis for artists and drawing enthusiasts.
Mohammad Rafi, a lover of drawing since childhood, started his shop in the 1990s, after a stint working at a pencil manufacturing company. Since then he has cultivated a ranging collection from inexpensive, locally produced pencils to rare and vintage examples imported from Europe and the United States. In the shop you can find approx 200 different shadessold strictly individually, to satisfy every artistic need.
Rafi doesn’t just sell products: his in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for color make him a point of reference for customers, who range from students to professionals. Whenever a customer comes, even if he doesn’t buy anything, he is always happy to help. He often spends time at recommend the most suitable colour, consistency or brand depending on the project.
He wants to run the shop until he retires
The shop, which offers affordable pencils starting from a few tomans up to high-quality models, is also a place of stories. Among these, that of a father who, unable to afford painting courses for his son, found in Medad Rafi the support necessary to cultivate the child’s talent. Episodes like this highlight the importance Rafi attributes to art as a tool for expression and growth.
Although the digital world has now replaced many traditional tools, Rafi remains faithful to his passion. The pencil has had its golden age, but for him it remains irreplaceable. Even if his son, who is a doctor, will not continue the business, Rafi is determined to carry on the shop until retirement.
It will therefore continue to support customers with dedication, guaranteeing access even to pencils that are no longer in production, thanks to its vast stock accumulated over the years. The Medad Rafi store is much more than just a business, but a symbol of creative resistance and passion for colora vibrant microcosm within Tehran’s bustling bazaar.