Number 682
Type Workshop
Style Prayer Rug
Material Wool & Silk
Origin Tehran
Size 371 x 221
Age 1880
Easily one of the most beautiful carpets I have encountered in my career. This Qajar masterpiece is inspired by the famous garden carpets of Karabagh, the pride of Russian Empire weavings. It stands out from those for a number of reasons and is one of two of type only that I have seen (the other is in my mother's salon!). First, the finely spun wool and the lavish silk highlights. Then we have the unbelievable white field which brings out the stunning pinks and reds of the roses and geraniums. The pattern, in addition, is more ornate and curvilinear and truly brings to mind a real life rose garden--you can almost smell the aromatic scent of the flowers! Was it a special commission? Certainly I would say. Its nonconventional proportions indicate it was created to match the dimensions of a very specific hall. Mouthwatering.
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. 🇬🇧
I first met Dr. Maktabi as a lecturer on carpet history and was captivated by his passion for the subject. Only later I knew him as a dealer, though even in our financial transactions, Hadi has been a gentle guide and friend. He has understood my taste and interests and made wonderful suggestions, but never in a pushy way. That is to say I have enjoyed working with him on several levels and wish to continue our excellent relations and dealings far into the future. A. Harvey Pincis, formerly Dar Al Athar Al Islamiyyah Museum (Kuwait), Latvia 🇱🇻
“I practically furnished my entire home with carpets from Hadi. The process was not only a joy but it was also a learning experience for me. Hadi was super helpful in identifying the right pieces for my home that would both work with my taste, budget, sizes required and that would be a good investment for my family. Hadi’s collection is second to none, and his knowledge and service is truly the blessing on top.” Amr Banaja, Public Investment Fund, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦