Number 1740
Material Wool
Style Geometric
Origin Qashqai
Type Tribal
Size 203 x 147
Age 1335
Remarkable tribal rug with an open field in sparkling midnight blue and a garden pavilion in the middle. At the top we see an attractively laid out inscription, executed in fine cursive calligraphy saying:
ูุฑู
ุงูุด ุขูุงู ุณูุฏ ุงุญู
ุฏ
๐พ๐ค๐ข๐ข๐๐จ๐จ๐๐ค๐ฃ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ ๐ผ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฎ๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐ข๐๐
And at the bottom we see the Hijri date 1335 (1917).
The fact that a tribal rug was in fact commissioned by special order is an eye catching feat it in its own right. The gentleman behind it was a certain Ahmad, presumably active in the Shiraz area, but praised by the double honorifics ๐ผ๐๐๐ and ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฎ๐๐. The former can be translated into something between Sir and Mister while the latter refers to a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. What is indeed odd is the fact that these ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฎ๐๐s were not tribesmen themselves since the vast plurality of tribal folk in Persia were of Turkic origin.
Who was this Ahmad? And how important was he back then that it was enough to simply mention his first name with no other explanation?
Perfect condition, charmingly nuanced abrash, earthy natural browns in the borders and center, original kilim ends and fringes.
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 ๐ฑ๐ป
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 dealerโs 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
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