Number 1740
Material Wool
Style Geometric
Origin Qashqai
Type Tribal
Size 203 x 147
Age 1335
Remarkable tribal rug with an open field in sparkling midnight blue and a garden pavilion in the middle. At the top we see an attractively laid out inscription, executed in fine cursive calligraphy saying:
ูุฑู
ุงูุด ุขูุงู ุณูุฏ ุงุญู
ุฏ
๐พ๐ค๐ข๐ข๐๐จ๐จ๐๐ค๐ฃ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ ๐ผ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฎ๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐ข๐๐
And at the bottom we see the Hijri date 1335 (1917).
The fact that a tribal rug was in fact commissioned by special order is an eye catching feat it in its own right. The gentleman behind it was a certain Ahmad, presumably active in the Shiraz area, but praised by the double honorifics ๐ผ๐๐๐ and ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฎ๐๐. The former can be translated into something between Sir and Mister while the latter refers to a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. What is indeed odd is the fact that these ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฎ๐๐s were not tribesmen themselves since the vast plurality of tribal folk in Persia were of Turkic origin.
Who was this Ahmad? And how important was he back then that it was enough to simply mention his first name with no other explanation?
Perfect condition, charmingly nuanced abrash, earthy natural browns in the borders and center, original kilim ends and fringes.
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
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 ๐บ๐ธ
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 ๐ญ๐ฐ