Number 1750
Type Workshop
Material Wool
Origin Kashan
Style Animal
Size 59 x 115
Age 1870
And here we have it. The world's only ceremonial horse cover rug from the legendary, renowned Mohtasham atelier. Horse rugs were primarily a nomadic thing. Urban workshops hardly made them, apart from a few notable exceptions from Kerman whose social fabric was dominated by tribal or clan structures. I cannot think of any horse rug from Kashan and am certain there is no other from Mohtasham.
This unique masterpiece comes in 2 parts that are separated by the read end of the saddle that rises in a curvy way. The frontal section of the rug covers the seat of the saddle, whose pommel (metal grip) enters through the orifice at the top center. The rear section of the rug is placed behind the saddle and dangles laterally across the anterior back of the horse π
The Manchester Kork lambswool, the distinct soft dyes, the chic and uncluttered Mohtasham drawing .. sublime!
The feat of creating 2 individual rugs with such non-conventional curvilinear shapes over 150 years ago defies logic and beggars belief!
I must say this one of the most enriching carpet purchase experiences I ever had. This was not a mere transaction but more an experience about art and history. Dr Maktabi's experience and knowledge in this space is second to none. Highly recommended! R.A., Doha, Qatar
Jβai fait la connaissance de Hadi lors de la prΓ©paration de lβexposition Β« LβEmpire des roses, chefs-dβΕuvre de lβart persan du 19Γ¨me siΓ¨cle Β» qui a eu lieu au Louvre-Lens en 2018 et Γ laquelle il a participΓ© par le prΓͺt de tapis exceptionnels. Jβavais alors Γ©tΓ© impressionnΓ©e par ses connaissances et sa passion pour les tapis orientaux. Cette rencontre a marquΓ© le dΓ©but dβune collaboration riche et fructueuse. Elle a notamment permis au musΓ©e du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac de voir ses collections iraniennes sβenrichir de plusieurs tapis et tentures dont certains nβont pas leur Γ©quivalent dans les musΓ©es occidentaux. Ce que jβapprΓ©cie chez Hadi ? Cβest son professionnalisme, son dynamisme et lβengouement quβil a pour son mΓ©tier ! Hana Chidiac, Curator of the Middle East Department at the Musee Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, Paris, France 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»