Number 402
Origin Shahsavan
Material Wool
Style Geometric
Type Kilim
Size 329 x 170
Age 1850
This is one of a pair of exquisitely fine kilims I bought from the descendant of one of the grand old Khans of the Shahsavan tribe. The other I sold to a very good friend of mine, a dedicated kilim collector. The nomadic clan that wove it used to inhabit the fertile grasslands around Hashtrud in Azerbaijan, so called because it lay at the conflux of 8 rivers or streams.
This kilim was made using the finest dyes and wool, and is by far finer than any other tribal kilim I've seen. The traditional Shahsavan manner of staggering rows of lozenges, separated by narrow horizontal strips, is given new life here. Indeed this may well be the originator of such designs seen elsewhere (please check the Shahsavan Shirvan Kilim elsewhere on this site). Usually 4 lozenges appear per row in a 2 meter wide kilim. Here we have 8 per 1.7 meter width. Do the width to appreciate how finer it is. It folds neatly into the size of 4 iPads stacked above one another. Dyes? Zoom in to be amazed!
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
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 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 🇸🇦