Number D0040
Type Workshop
Material Silk
Style Medallion
Origin Farahan
Size 194 x 131
Age 1850
As Silk Farahans go, they are quite a rare breed. This here is one of the oldest and finest out there. It has a very firm yet supple handle. Its main claim to greatness lies in its astonishing and intoxicating range of natural dyes. There is a sensational sky blue in the middle cross, and a boisterous blood orange red. Elsewhere in the field we see a gorgeous lime green and brilliant yellow. The partially oxidized corners reveal a genius use of cochineal purple--in fact there are two purple dyes in this rug. The shape of the medallion and the drawing of the flowers, among other features, indicate this pre-dates the Mohtasham school of Kashan which was heavily influenced by the silk Farahan genre of the mid 19th century.
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 ππ°
You can't only be a customer of Hadi Maktabi. While his main purpose is rug dealing, he starts with story telling and ends with history selling. That's what I call high-end art curating and closing it all with an entertaining friendship. George El Hani, CEO Levica, Lebanon π±π§
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 π±π»