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.
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 🇱🇻
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 🇭🇰