Number 1036
Type Workshop
Material Wool
Style Pictorial
Origin Serapi
Size 638 x 397
Age 1870
One of my personal favorites. I missed buying it a couple of times and then years later it was offered to me discretely out of the blue, if you'll pardon the pun. This Serapi is quelque chose d'autre entirely. Obviously a palace carpet from its might size and unique sky blue coloration. Plus the fact that it depicts seemingly endless rows of palaces with elegant domes that recall Timurid period architecture from the 14th and 15th centuries (which coincidentally were the same shade of turquoise blue we see here). Otherwise said, we could be looking at this palatial scene here with the blue field of the carpet filling in as the sky behind the architecture.
Serapi is a trade name used to refer to the very best Heriz carpets of a certain grade that share vital features. We can see them all here including the extra fine weave with crispness of design, the absence of dark colors and the booming cheer of the dye materials. This is both an intact decorative artwork and a high grade collectible antique. I doubt I will lay eyes on a better one in this lifetime.
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 🇱🇻
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 🇭🇰
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