Number 1090
Type Workshop
Material Wool
Style All Over
Origin Khorasan
Size 300 x 196
Age 1221
This historical carpet is an important document that shows us the nascent design that came to be called Herati in the West and Mahi in Iran. For a full discussion please see my book ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐: ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ด๐ผ๐๐๐ฒ๐ป ๐ฌ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ญ๐ณ๐ฎ๐ฎ-๐ญ๐ด๐ณ๐ฎ where I trace the history and development of this pattern and its famous motifs. This carpet is one of two dated pieces that give us concrete proof that the Herati form had reached this mature expression by 1800. It has two inscriptions, one legible recto and one verso incredibly. The date 1221 is given, as well as the name of the workshop, the commissioner of the carpet and tow home it was intended. All in all, this is a major revelation for the health and vibrant state of the carpet industry in the alleged dark ages. It offers remarkable proof to the contrary and is of extreme importance. It survives in fragmentary form with much of the border having been diligently and delicately rewoven in the early 20th century.
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 ๐บ๐ธ
โI 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. Hadiโs collection is second to none, and his knowledge and service is truly the blessing on top.โ Amr Banaja, Public Investment Fund, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia ๐ธ๐ฆ
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