Number 597
Type Workshop
Style Pictorial
Material Wool & Silk
Origin Kashan
Size 335 x 230
Age 1920
The single most beautiful Kashan I have ever seen. I have had older, larger, finer even (maybe?). But nothing compares to this. Please welcome the Magnificent Seven:
1. That most desirable of sizes, not too small and not too big.
2. Materials: does anything beat a Kashan with lush silk highlights?
3. The directional design, a Garden of Eden topped with an elegant mihrab--unique for this scale.
4. The landscape roundel at the center. A window into Narnia?
5. The cartouche border and its elegant spacing. The grace of the corner solutions. Ooh la la la.
6. The weave: extra fine with high knot density.
7. The perfection of condition. Word.
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 🇱🇻
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. 🇬🇧
“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 🇦🇺