Number 637
Type Workshop
Origin Isfahan
Material Wool
Style Medallion
Size 400 x270
Age 1920
We see here the most famous and recognizable of all Isfahan designs, the Eslimi spiraling arabesques that twirl so musically around the medallion. What catches both the eye and breath is the alluring turquoise blue which is inspired by and woven in homage to the city's rich architectural history best symbolized by the blue capped domes and minarets from the Seljuk and Safavid periods. The tonality of the blue here, however, is different from later Isfahan carpet blues. It has an aura, a depth that invite the viewer in to an azure sea and loses them in its waves. The abrashed field adds to the allure and mystique and is far from flat or tepid as other blues may end up looking. This is due to the formidable vegetable dyes used in this carpet. They, and the unorthodox size, confirm this is an early (i.e. very old) Isfahan masterpiece a full generation before the establishment of the Seirafian workshops.
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 🇺🇸
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
You can't only be a customer of Hadi Maktabi. While his main purpose is rug dealing, he starts with story telling and ends with history selling. That's what I call high-end art curating and closing it all with an entertaining friendship. George El Hani, CEO Levica, Lebanon 🇱🇧