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The Maktabi Sufi Tiger Rug

The Maktabi Sufi Tiger Rug

  • Number (sold)

  • Type Village

  • Material Wool

  • Style Animal

  • Origin Saruk

  • Size 196 x 132

  • Age 1870

Story

In the presence of genius and history. This is one of 5 known Tiger rugs woven in Saruk in the 19th century. A tiger pelt is laid out across the field with a clutter of seemingly random objects around. This carpet was woven for a leading member of one of the main Sufi brotherhoods of the time. Sufi dervishes would wander around the countryside with their meager personal possessions, all of which we see on display, all seeped in age old symbolism. The dervish would cover himself with a tiger skin pelt, its color symbolizing closeness to the earth and its nature referring to the brutal struggle against the forces of nature. The twin axes also reiterate this message. The cap, known as the ๐˜›๐˜ข๐˜ซ or crown, was made out of camel hair which also linked the mystic messenger to the literal salt of the earth. A begging bowl called the ๐˜’๐˜ข๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ฌ๐˜ถ๐˜ญ dangles to either side and shows us how the wandering Sufi would earn his daily subsistence. Further down are two chessboards which reflect wisdom, patience and strategy; all of them qualities the brother was encouraged to cultivate. A sword lies flat at the bottom, a metaphorical device to smite away evil and temptation.

The intoxicating detail and incredible fineness are way beyond high quality Saruk commercial weaving. As mentioned, this was a special commission or honor granted to a high ranking Sufi seer. This explains how it has been so well preserved and looked after, as a communal heirloom. It is a historical document and living proof of an influential way of life that no longer is. Museum level.

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What our customers say!

The idea of purchasing valuable rugs and other artwork online from an overseas seller is daunting for several reasons, not least of which is the fact that, not being able to examine and feel the rug for yourself, you are never entirely certain that the origin, age or condition of the rug corresponds with the dealerโ€™s description. For me, I could never take this step unless I had absolute trust in the integrity of the dealer, and my recent experience with Hadi confirms that my faith in him was well placed. Every detail of the antique rug expertly explained by Hadi was accurate and when I finally received the actual rug, it turned out to be even more stunning than his photos depicted. F. Alsagoff, Singapore

 

 

Hadi Maktabi and his staff provide comprehensive and thoughtful services to collectors and textile buyers worldwide. His knowledge of antique oriental rugs and textiles, including many fine offerings from the Levant, is unsurpassed. We have been loyal customers for over five years and have visited his Beirut premises. He has worked with us upon several occasions to select the exact Ottoman and Levantine pieces we wanted for our collection. You can be sure of quality and honesty when dealing with Hadi. Penelope and Timothy Hays, Just In From The East Collection, Florida ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ

 

To me personally there is no surprise, event or frankly anything that gets me more excited than the purchase of a treasured piece of understated artwork such as that of a proper vintage/antique carpet. The sourcing, grading and authentication of these pieces is no small task but is of the highest importance. Through the respected dealer Hadi Maktabi all that is guaranteed, and rest assured the one thing I can guarantee personally as a client is a first class service from the initial selection process till it gets delivered right to your door step. It was an undeniably special experience, with hundreds of carpets to choose from, will definitely be visiting again. Thank you dear Hadi. Habeeb Al Monawer, Kuwait ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ผ

 

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