Number 1101
Type Workshop
Origin Isfahan
Material Wool
Style Tree
Size 203 x 137
Age 1890
This masterpiece belongs to a select group of 4 known Cypress tree rugs woven by one of the preeminent masters of carpet weaving in Isfahan in the late 19th century. Grand Master Abdolsamad, like Agha Ahmad known by his first name, accomplished a terrific mastery in the art of rendering the tree of life, namely by the remarkable form of the slender cypress and its multitude leaves, each depicted individually. His signature appears above the tip of the mihrab prayer niche. Below the tree if you look closely you can make out two iterations of the phrase "Ya Ali", thereby granting the carpet additional mystical Sufi levels of meaning. A very similar carpet signed by Abdolsamad lies in the Carpet Museum of Iran, formerly in the royal collections. It appeared on the cover of the museum's inauguration catalog. At present this is the only example of Abdolsamad's oeuvre that is available on the market. A historical masterpiece that will augment in value with time.
J’ai fait la connaissance de Hadi lors de la préparation de l’exposition « L’Empire des roses, chefs-d’œuvre de l’art persan du 19ème siècle » qui a eu lieu au Louvre-Lens en 2018 et à laquelle il a participé par le prêt de tapis exceptionnels. J’avais alors été impressionnée par ses connaissances et sa passion pour les tapis orientaux. Cette rencontre a marqué le début d’une collaboration riche et fructueuse. Elle a notamment permis au musée du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac de voir ses collections iraniennes s’enrichir de plusieurs tapis et tentures dont certains n’ont pas leur équivalent dans les musées occidentaux. Ce que j’apprécie chez Hadi ? C’est son professionnalisme, son dynamisme et l’engouement qu’il a pour son métier ! Hana Chidiac, Curator of the Middle East Department at the Musee Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, Paris, France 🇫🇷
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 🇺🇸
Purchasing carpets from Hadi Maktabi was the epitome of professionalism and joy. Hadi is an expert curator, purveyor, historian and story teller. His passion, knowledge, professionalism and expertise are evident every step of the way. With a wide range of choices and prices, prompt service, and fast sipping, we had our carpets in Sydney in a matter of days. The ultimate flying carpet experience! Zeina Tebbutt, Sidney, Australia 🇦🇺