Number 2021
Type Workshop
Material Wool
Style All Over
Origin Farahan
Size 70 x 267
Age 1224 or 1324
This is a remarkable artwork, a wonder that it has survived. The facts that are evident are:
It was woven in Farahan, an example of that very soft and refined weave associated with the highest echelons of Qajar society.
It is uniquely trapezoidal in shape, unlike the familiar format of horse and most animal covers.
It is huge and impressive in scale and proportion, suggesting it was intended as a ceremonial cover for either an elephant or a camel.
There is a wonderful visual dichotomy between the minuscule vase at the base and the dense, overgrown millefleurs ornamentation.
The existence of an elaborate dedication at the top adds further weight to this historical artifact having distinguished royal provenance. The signature cartouche says:
فرمايش حضرت اجل اصغر السلطنه
"Farmayesh hazret-e ajal Asghar Al Saltaneh"
By high order of His Exalted Excellency Asghar Al Saltaneh
If this refers to the famous Qajar politician Mirza Ali Asghar Khan Amin al-Soltan, who served as Sadr A'zam (Prime Minister) under both Nasser al-Din Shah and Mozaffar al-Din Shah Qajar, then the inscribed date reads 1324 (1906-7).
Otherwise if a different figure was behind this lavish commission then the dating would be 1224 (1809-10) and the owner would have been a noble or prince at the court of Fath Ali Shah Qajar. The archaic nature of this museum worthy artwork supports that. The primary suspect here would be Asef Al Dowleh, Prime Minister to FASQ.
“I practically furnished my entire home with carpets from Hadi. The process was not only a joy but it was also a learning experience for me. Hadi was super helpful in identifying the right pieces for my home that would both work with my taste, budget, sizes required and that would be a good investment for my family. Hadi’s collection is second to none, and his knowledge and service is truly the blessing on top.” Amr Banaja, Public Investment Fund, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
The idea of purchasing valuable rugs and other artwork online from an overseas seller is daunting for several reasons, not least of which is the fact that, not being able to examine and feel the rug for yourself, you are never entirely certain that the origin, age or condition of the rug corresponds with the dealer’s description. For me, I could never take this step unless I had absolute trust in the integrity of the dealer, and my recent experience with Hadi confirms that my faith in him was well placed. Every detail of the antique rug expertly explained by Hadi was accurate and when I finally received the actual rug, it turned out to be even more stunning than his photos depicted. F. Alsagoff, Singapore
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 🇺🇸