Tavakol Esmaili, known as "Mash Esmail", was born in Qazvin in 1923. He started self-taught sculpture in 1963, when he was employed at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Tehran. Mash Esmail's unique talent in sculpture made the director of the school, who was Hooshang Seyhoun at that time, appoint him as a sculpture assistant.

During his time at Tehran University, Tavakol Esmaili was able to learn the basic principles of sculpture from Parviz Tanavoli. This, along with Tanavoli's special attention to him, made him known among the people of art. Mash Esmail's sculptures have been exhibited in various countries such as Germany, England and Belgium. Also, his works have participated and sold many times in Tehran auction.

Among Mash Esmail's works, the collection of goats is the most famous. In his works, he used metal scraps, especially iron, with the spot welding technique. The subject of Mash Esmail's works is influenced by his life atmosphere and personal memories, as well as his reactions to social issues. Tavakol Esmaili passed away in 1994. Some of the works of this self-taught artist have been installed in public places in Tehran; Such as Tehran College of Fine Arts, Tehran Azadi Sports Complex, Tehran Saad Abad Cultural and Historical Complex and Jamshidiyeh Park.