Number 591
Type Workshop
Material Wool
Style Medallion
Origin Dorokhsh
Size 172 x 145
Age 1890
Visually arresting and attention grabbing, this powerful rug represents the last flourish of weaving activity in the historic town of Qa'en in Khorasan, capital of the Qa'enat district. As of the 1860s weavers moved successively to Dorokhsh, Birjand and Mood close by. Qa'en had been the center of a massive carpet production in the period stretching from the 17th to the early 19th centuries. It is where designs such as the Mahi originally developed. For further info please check my book.
Here we see a bright red flare (100% organically dyed), the mother of all negative spaces, with charmingly nuanced abrash. The spandrels and medallion bear a very fine rendition of the local Mahi pattern (known as Herati in the literature).
And there, smack in the middle, we see the Zoroastrian sun. A relic of 3000 years of culture and history.
I have been buying and collecting oriental rugs for over 40 years. As a result I have had direct experiences with many dealers and galleries throughout Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia. The Hadi Maktabi establishment is distinct and unique. It is rare to find a dealer who not only has a discerning taste and excellent choice of rugs. But with Hadi, the experience is one of an erudite oriental rug scholar paired with years of family experiences and traditions dealing in rugs, carpets and textiles. The available choices, diversity and quality of his stock is awesome. It is always a pleasure. Highly recommended and satisfying. As a collector he has become not only a partner of choice, knowledge and information but also a valued friend. Robert Bell, CEO Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, U.K. 🇬🇧
“You don’t just buy a rug from Dr Maktabi... It’s an experience, a rich one! You learn about history, culture & art. And more importantly you feel euphoric!” Dr Siamak Abolhassani, Expert Medical Care Clinics, Victoria, Australia 🇦🇺
As a carpet collector of 30 years, I have noticed a decline in the amount of truly unique and high quality carpets on the market. I have also noted a decline in the knowledge of merchants, generally. Hadi Maktabi stands against this trend as a both a curator for and an educator of his clients. His offerings are well-researched, museum quality carpets that are both singular and expertly chosen. In dealing with Hadi, I have experienced excellent communication, a high standard of service and extremely pleasant interactions. Warren D., Hong Kong 🇭🇰