Number B0122
Material Wool
Style Pictorial
Origin Baluch
Type Tribal
Size 180 x 100
Age 1870
Fascinating! This important antique tribal rug is a unique variant on one of the oldest and most loved Baluch pictorial themes (that in itself being something extremely rare). The origins lie in folkloric adaptations of medieval Persian poetry, in this case the epic romance of Khosrow and Shirin as recounted in Nizami's ๐๐๐๐ข๐จ๐ diwan of poetry, composed in the 12th century. Khosrow the king is completely out of the picture and instead we have a perfect square of 4 x 4 representations of his Armenian queen, Shirin.
The carpet is complete, with oxidation and slight wear, but without damages. There is an impressive range of blues on show, namely in the skirts and garments of the various queens. It is endlessly intriguing to observe how their hand gestures shift from row to row.
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. ๐ฌ๐ง
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
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