Number 221
Material Wool
Style Prayer Rug
Type Anatolian
Origin Anatolian
Size 178 x 124
Age 1860
The Manastir Turkish clans get their name from their original habitats on the slopes of Balkan mountains atop which Greek Orthodox monasteries (like Mount Athos) perched. Most Manastir rugs are kilim woven making knotted pile carpets like this rarer. Aesthetically it belongs to a design group called Mecidi (Majidi) after the Sultan Abdul Majid who reigned 1839-1861 on account of certain stylistic factors in carpet design which appeared during his reign. They are sometimes called Ottoman Baroque. The white field is knotted with undyed sheep's wool, dotted with abstract symbols and crowned with a domed mosque at the top. Note the protective halos around the mosque--fascinating! The mehrab prayer niche is ghost like and jagged, somewhat electrified. Perhaps most puzzlingly the border has two distinct patterns, both of oversized roundel forms.
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
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 🇱🇧
Purchasing carpets from Hadi Maktabi was the epitome of professionalism and joy. Hadi is an expert curator, purveyor, historian and story teller. His passion, knowledge, professionalism and expertise are evident every step of the way. With a wide range of choices and prices, prompt service, and fast sipping, we had our carpets in Sydney in a matter of days. The ultimate flying carpet experience! Zeina Tebbutt, Sidney, Australia 🇦🇺