Number 737
Type Workshop
Material Wool
Style All Over
Origin Tehran
Size 321 x 206
Age 1890
Intriguing and beguiling, this eye catching carpet presents a beautiful twist on the legendary royal Shah Abbas design. It is directional in orientation having axial rather than biaxial symmetry, meaning left and right reflect one another but top and bottom don't. The cream field is dominated by meandering and curving vines executed in a very sweet light blue, from which handsome roses and geraniums in pinks and reds grow. Lovebirds and parrots pop up here and there to add even more zing to the composition. The drawing has incredible complexity and is the work of a remarkably talented master artist. The French style border reflects the Qajar court's obsessions with the arts of the court of Napoleon III in France. L'Empire Des Roses indeed!
As a carpet collector of 30 years, I have noticed a decline in the amount of truly unique and high quality carpets on the market. I have also noted a decline in the knowledge of merchants, generally. Hadi Maktabi stands against this trend as a both a curator for and an educator of his clients. His offerings are well-researched, museum quality carpets that are both singular and expertly chosen. In dealing with Hadi, I have experienced excellent communication, a high standard of service and extremely pleasant interactions. Warren D., Hong Kong 🇭🇰
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 🇱🇧
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 🇱🇻