Number 96pon
Type Workshop
Material Wool
Origin Tabriz
Style Tree
Size 553 x 341
Age 1870
This museum piece hails from the celebrated school of the legendary Grand Master Hajji Jalili of Marand, in Tabriz. It depicts the famous Chaharbagh Garden layout, a tradition that goes back almost 3000 years. The oldest Garden Carpet we know of is the "Spring of Chosroes" that the initial Arab invaders discovered in the Sassanian palace in Ctesiphon in 636 AD.
Chaharbagh gardens gained further momentum under the Timurids, Safavids and Mughals. Shah Abbas the Great laid out the Chaharbagh Avenue in Isfahan around 1600 and it was then that the Chaharbagh Garden Carpets were produced. Their history is presented in full in my book The Persian Carpet: The Forgotten Years 1722-1872. It is rare to find an example from the 19th century, let alone one from such a master weaver. Words don't do it justice so if interested in acquiring it please email me for photos and videos!
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 ๐ฑ๐ป
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 dealerโs 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
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