Number 15 69
Type Workshop
Material Wool
Style Pictorial
Origin Tehran
Size 49 x 77
Age 1880
The royal looms of Qajar Tehran almost never produced pictorial rugs, this horizontally shaped tableau a notable exception. It depicts the legendary 18th century folk hero, the Sufi leader Nour Ali Shah with his scepter, camel hair felt cap (Taj) and begging bowl (Kashkul). He is seated in a natural landscape, portrayed as one in nature and deliberately juxtaposed with a rich palatial mansion. Bands of medieval Persian poetry run around the border. A unique work of art from a bygone age.
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 🇭🇰
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
You can't only be a customer of Hadi Maktabi. While his main purpose is rug dealing, he starts with story telling and ends with history selling. That's what I call high-end art curating and closing it all with an entertaining friendship. George El Hani, CEO Levica, Lebanon 🇱🇧