Number pon71
Material Wool
Style Prayer Rug
Type Tribal
Origin Arab
Size 193 x 127
Age 1900
A unique and frankly puzzling woven artwork. The only certainty is that it was not commercially made and that it has a clear religious theme. It is entirely bichromatic without any dye materials: a field of undyed white sheep's wool and rows and rows of Arabic calligraphy in undyed black sheep's wool.
The text consists of a lengthy prayer to the souls of the martyred Imam Hossein and his family. It reads out like what is called a "ziyarat" prayer, one recited when visiting the holy shrine in Karbala where he is buried.
As such this is an important and unique work of art with tremendous religious and socio-cultural value. Provenance is quite hard to establish. It isn't a Persian rug and the weave is closer to Anatolian habits. However the familiarity with Arabic script suggests this may be a Bedouin rug from Syria or Iraq و الله اعلم
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. 🇬🇧
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
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