Number 422
Material Wool
Origin Bakhtiari
Style Tree
Type Tribal
Size 505 x 320
Age 1900
I was amazed at the magnificence of this stunning tree (or forest?) carpet when I first saw it. The scale and seemingly endless lushness of its vegetation take my breath away every time! The dye materials are what you would expect from the very best Bakhtiari weavings. Pattern wise it is derived from the 18th century tradition of Bid Majnoun tree carpets popular in the post-Safavid period (see my book for further info). This was likely woven in Para Dombeh village on account of the palette but it is quite an old one, having an all wool foundation. A classic case of not being able to see the forest due to focusing on the trees!
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 🇱🇧
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 🇭🇰
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 🇱🇻