Number SOLD
Type Workshop
Material Wool
Origin Kerman
Style Tree
Size 498 x 363
Age 1890
The twin to this magnificent Garden Carpet remains in the Golestan Palace in Tehran, previously in the collection of the Qajar Shahs. It is an astounding composition with concentric layered compartments of blossoming fruit trees radiate outwards from the center in ornate rhomboid formation. The dye materials are surreal and present a Greatest Hits of the light spectrum. Perfect condition with lush, full pile. At the bottom we see the signature of Sadeghiani & Castelli, a very important name in Persian carpet history. Nearco Castelli of Venice travelled to the Orient in 1887 and set up carpet weaving workshops in Smyrna and Kerman. The rugs of Castelli Bros are an early fusion of high class European taste with classical Persian sensibilities.
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 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 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