Number 691
Material Wool
Origin Turkmen
Style Tree
Type Central Asian
Size 715 x 250
Age 1900
This sprawling carpet was woven at the east end of the fabled Silk Road, in the Yarkand oasis. The Uighur town is situated in East Turkestan, the furthest extremity of the Islamic world, which is today known as the Xinjiang province of China. The design is of ancient Biblical origin and represents a growing and seemingly non-ending pomegranate tree. The fusion of cultures from various points of the Silk Road is also evident in the border which borrows traits from 18/19th century Ningxia and Peking Chinese carpets.
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 don’t just buy a rug from Dr Maktabi... It’s an experience, a rich one! You learn about history, culture & art. And more importantly you feel euphoric!” Dr Siamak Abolhassani, Expert Medical Care Clinics, Victoria, Australia 🇦🇺
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 🇱🇻