Number 1199
Type Workshop
Material Wool
Style Pictorial
Origin Kerman
Size 337 x 216
Age 1893
This masterpiece is a historical document. It is one of a pair commissioned by Nassereddine Shah Qajar at the time of the World Columbine Exhibition of 1893, marking 400 years of Christopher Columbus discovering America. He was shot before it was completed and was sold to the Indian ambassador, from whose collection it made its way into the palace of the Nizam of Hyderabad, the world's wealthiest man. We sold the twin to this to the Musee Quai Branly Jacques Chirac.
The pair was woven by the famous Milani workshop in Milan at the behest of Nassereddine Shah Qajar to commemorate Persian-American friendship in the wake of Iran participating in the World Columnian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago. This took place at the quadrennial of Chistopher Columbus discovering the Americas. The carpet depicts the Chicago fairgrounds with a massive tree rising from it, whose fruits and branches are actually the major heads of state in the 19th century world. We see the Shah of Iran, the Sultan of Turkey, the Khedive of Egypt, the Emperor of Japan, Queen Victoria of Britain, various European monarchs, a number of Latin American leaders and the most illustrious presidents of the USA including George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
“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 🇸🇦
“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 🇭🇰
Email List
Request Offer