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.
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 dealer’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
J’ai fait la connaissance de Hadi lors de la préparation de l’exposition « L’Empire des roses, chefs-d’œuvre de l’art persan du 19ème siècle » qui a eu lieu au Louvre-Lens en 2018 et à laquelle il a participé par le prêt de tapis exceptionnels. J’avais alors été impressionnée par ses connaissances et sa passion pour les tapis orientaux. Cette rencontre a marqué le début d’une collaboration riche et fructueuse. Elle a notamment permis au musée du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac de voir ses collections iraniennes s’enrichir de plusieurs tapis et tentures dont certains n’ont pas leur équivalent dans les musées occidentaux. Ce que j’apprécie chez Hadi ? C’est son professionnalisme, son dynamisme et l’engouement qu’il a pour son métier ! Hana Chidiac, Curator of the Middle East Department at the Musee Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, Paris, France 🇫🇷
I must say this one of the most enriching carpet purchase experiences I ever had. This was not a mere transaction but more an experience about art and history. Dr Maktabi's experience and knowledge in this space is second to none. Highly recommended! R.A., Doha, Qatar
Email List
Request Offer