Number 570
Material Wool
Style Pictorial
Origin Qashqai
Type Tribal
Size 236 x 141
Age 1331 or 1912
This is one of a very small number of Qashqai rugs from the Qajar period with a design inspired by the bas-relief rock carvings from the ancient Achaemenid capital of Persepolis. The Kashkuli clan of the Qashqai confederation would winter in the water rich area around ruins and gradually started welcoming intrepid European travelers, adventurers and archaeologists. The huge rock with the ancient Persian Emperor caught their fancy as the ultimate symbol of majesty and power. Et voila, our masterpiece was born!
Two rows of courtiers in small size ultimately bear the legendary King of Kings Xerxes, who is enthroned at the middle with a servant fanning him from behind. The Shahanshah of the world's then largest ever global empire receives benediction and blessing in the shape of the 𝙁𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙝𝙖𝙧, the Zoroastrian symbol of the god Ahura Mazda who appears at the top of the field with outstretched multicolored wings.
And now for something completely different. We pause for a minute and study the innermost border where we see traditional Qashqai geometric motifs, the date 1331... and chicken 🐓
How can one not fall in love with that?
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 🇭🇰
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 🇫🇷
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