Number 1587
Material Wool
Style Pictorial
Origin Qashqai
Type Kilim
Size 205 x 132
Age 1935
This remarkable Qashqai kilim is both extremely fine and historically revealing. The uniqueness of design and theme make it a very singular and important artwork with significant cultural echoes.
We see two pairs of women, apparently startled judging by the raised fingers to their mouths--this mannerism features prominently in medieval Persian painting and signifies surprise. What is more noticeable is that they are not veiled and in full makeup. This ties in to Reza Shah's famous 1930s law in which he "unveiled" the women of Iran, at times forcing women in public space in the capital to remove their head coverings. This makes this fine and colorful kilim a very valuable piece.
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 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 🇱🇻
“You don’t just buy a rug from Dr Maktabi... It’s an experience, a rich one! You learn about history, culture & art. And more importantly you feel euphoric!” Dr Siamak Abolhassani, Expert Medical Care Clinics, Victoria, Australia 🇦🇺