Number (sold)
Type Village
Material Camel Hair
Style Prayer Rug
Origin Bakhshayesh
Size 133 x 80
Age 1880
One of a handful of extremely rare, important and collectible Bakhshayesh tribal rugs woven with camel hair and that served as meditation or prayer rugs for high ranking members of Sufi brotherhoods in the 19th century. Camel hair as a fiber is closely linked to Sufi mystical rituals and habits given its rarity, softness and color properties. The symbolism of the camel and the great esteem in which it was held by traditional societies in the Middle East further add to that. The plain field allows the camel hair to shine, so to speak, and yields an abstract minimalist effect. We see a prayer mihrab at either end. The Heriz district where the tiny village of Bakhshayesh is located is not known for weaving small sized rugs, giving surviving examples like this tremendous appeal and importance too. Perfect condition. The softness of the texture has to be handled to be believed.
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. 🇬🇧
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 🇭🇰
The idea of purchasing valuable rugs and other artwork online from an overseas seller is daunting for several reasons, not least of which is the fact that, not being able to examine and feel the rug for yourself, you are never entirely certain that the origin, age or condition of the rug corresponds with the dealer’s description. For me, I could never take this step unless I had absolute trust in the integrity of the dealer, and my recent experience with Hadi confirms that my faith in him was well placed. Every detail of the antique rug expertly explained by Hadi was accurate and when I finally received the actual rug, it turned out to be even more stunning than his photos depicted. F. Alsagoff, Singapore
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