Number 1411
Type Workshop
Origin Isfahan
Material Wool
Style Tree
Size 212 x 144
Age 1910
For a 100 years, bazar elders have spoken of the most exquisite Isfahan rugs of the Qajar era, referring to them by the mythical name of "Madar Vatan" which translates as "the mother of the nation". They all agree that this refers to a near mythical weaver whose carpets were so fine and exalted that they captured the very essence of the motherland. As a scholar I searched long and hard for evidence but none appeared. Then one day I bought this carpet for its beautiful blue tones and majestic flowering vase design. The inscription is in mirror writing, so upon inspecting its back I was amazed to read: "MADAR VATAN SAMAD ZADEH". So the legend was real and she existed! The last two words mean "child of Samad". Further research showed that she was the daughter of the world famous master weaver Abdol Samad, whose similarly executed landscape scenes are found on this website and in the Carpet Museum of Iran.
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 🇺🇸
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 🇱🇻
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. 🇬🇧