Number 1790
Type Workshop
Material Wool
Style Medallion
Origin Arab
Size 180 x 135
Age 1885
An extremely rare 19th century Iraqi rug inscribed " مكتب صنايع بغداد" (Baghdad School of Handicrafts). It has to be noted that the first word 'maktab' (school) shares the same etymology as my surname.
The school was established in Baghdad in 1871 in the days of the Ottoman governor (Wali) Midhat Pasha, who governed the vilayet between 1869 and 1872. While there he established a number of state schools, the Arts & Crafts. (Arts et Metiers) being one of them. His tenure was brief because his successes as a ruler got him the position of Grand Vizier in 1872.
The school taught its students a number of crafts, carpet weaving foremost among them. It had to be self sufficient, to provide for the students, and so its wares (rugs included) were carefully calibrated to be fine and attractive in order to generate income for the institution. The same was happening in the Tehran schools in parallel.
To my knowledge this is the only surviving carpet bearing this signature and concrete links to Ottoman Iraq. As such it is historically important and very collectible.
“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 🇦🇺
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. 🇬🇧
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
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