Number 1868
Type Workshop
Origin Isfahan
Material Silk
Style Prayer Rug
Size 203 x 130
Age 1890
Museum quality antique art work signed by the celebrated Grand Master Abdol Samad, one of the two earliest master weavers of the Isfahan Revival School. Weaving in the Safavid capital stopped in 1722 and was reborn in the 1890s thanks to the efforts of Abdol Samad (famously known by his first name only) and Grand Master Shoreshi.
Only a handful of signed rugs by Abdol Samad are known. We are proud to have 5 in our collection. I have seen 3 others only, one of which is in the Carpet Museum of Iran in Tehran and was formerly in the royal Qajar collection in the Golestan Palace. This shows how exalted and respected his works are. The twin to that carpet in the CMI is in our collection, both woven in wool. You can see it on this website. You will notice I mention there that it is the only Abdol Samad available on the open market. Do the math to see what we have been up to since!
The present masterpiece is one of a pair in pure silk that Abdol Samad created at the peak of his powers. No other silk rugs of his are known; in fact, pure silk Isfahan carpets of that period (1890-1920) are unheard of-- even for the remainder of the 20th century. We sold the twin to a Manhattan collector a few years ago and only very recently discovered this piece, an exact double.
The quality of weave is sensational and that of dye materials exuberant. The turquoise blue, lime green and canary yellow are among the absolute best natural dyes you will ever see. The Haft Rang (multicolored, rainbow) silk fringes are a sign of excellence of the highest order.
A puzzling additional signature appears at the very top. The exact same name appears on the New York City twin. It reads:
فرمايش جناب محمد هنادي
𝘍𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘴𝘩 𝘑𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘣 𝘔𝘰𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘮𝘢𝘥 𝘏𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘥𝘪
I am not entirely sure about the reading of the last word, the surname.
J’ai fait la connaissance de Hadi lors de la préparation de l’exposition « L’Empire des roses, chefs-d’œuvre de l’art persan du 19ème siècle » qui a eu lieu au Louvre-Lens en 2018 et à laquelle il a participé par le prêt de tapis exceptionnels. J’avais alors été impressionnée par ses connaissances et sa passion pour les tapis orientaux. Cette rencontre a marqué le début d’une collaboration riche et fructueuse. Elle a notamment permis au musée du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac de voir ses collections iraniennes s’enrichir de plusieurs tapis et tentures dont certains n’ont pas leur équivalent dans les musées occidentaux. Ce que j’apprécie chez Hadi ? C’est son professionnalisme, son dynamisme et l’engouement qu’il a pour son métier ! Hana Chidiac, Curator of the Middle East Department at the Musee Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, Paris, France 🇫🇷
Purchasing carpets from Hadi Maktabi was the epitome of professionalism and joy. Hadi is an expert curator, purveyor, historian and story teller. His passion, knowledge, professionalism and expertise are evident every step of the way. With a wide range of choices and prices, prompt service, and fast sipping, we had our carpets in Sydney in a matter of days. The ultimate flying carpet experience! Zeina Tebbutt, Sidney, Australia 🇦🇺
“You don’t just buy a rug from Dr Maktabi... It’s an experience, a rich one! You learn about history, culture & art. And more importantly you feel euphoric!” Dr Siamak Abolhassani, Expert Medical Care Clinics, Victoria, Australia 🇦🇺
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