Number 1831
Type Village
Material Wool
Style Prayer Rug
Origin Farahan
Size 128 x 75
Age 1850
This is a marvelous find.
It is the only Farahan prayer rug I know of.
Despite the lack of mehrab prayer niche, it is clearly an item of religious art and function. The size is odd for Farahan carpets but ideally suited for prayer use. The top, where the forehead touches the ground, is inscribed with the verse recited during prostration in prayer:
سبحان ربي الاعلى و بحمده
Either side of that we see opened up palms placed on the ground, indicating where the pious owner would place their hands. These are known as the Hands of Fatima. Note the lovingly manicured nails.
Elsewhere, we see the field has an allover Herati or Mahi pattern. The pattern coalesced in the Farahan region in the early to mid 19th century. One standout and very localized feature is the superb emerald green dye which was a local speciality and is hard to find elsewhere. This specific green usually survives well and does not oxidize nor fade.
Perfect condition with full pile and intact ends with full kilim finishing.
J’ai fait la connaissance de Hadi lors de la préparation de l’exposition « L’Empire des roses, chefs-d’œuvre de l’art persan du 19ème siècle » qui a eu lieu au Louvre-Lens en 2018 et à laquelle il a participé par le prêt de tapis exceptionnels. J’avais alors été impressionnée par ses connaissances et sa passion pour les tapis orientaux. Cette rencontre a marqué le début d’une collaboration riche et fructueuse. Elle a notamment permis au musée du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac de voir ses collections iraniennes s’enrichir de plusieurs tapis et tentures dont certains n’ont pas leur équivalent dans les musées occidentaux. Ce que j’apprécie chez Hadi ? C’est son professionnalisme, son dynamisme et l’engouement qu’il a pour son métier ! Hana Chidiac, Curator of the Middle East Department at the Musee Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, Paris, France 🇫🇷
To me personally there is no surprise, event or frankly anything that gets me more excited than the purchase of a treasured piece of understated artwork such as that of a proper vintage/antique carpet. The sourcing, grading and authentication of these pieces is no small task but is of the highest importance. Through the respected dealer Hadi Maktabi all that is guaranteed, and rest assured the one thing I can guarantee personally as a client is a first class service from the initial selection process till it gets delivered right to your door step. It was an undeniably special experience, with hundreds of carpets to choose from, will definitely be visiting again. Thank you dear Hadi. Habeeb Al Monawer, Kuwait 🇰🇼
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 🇦🇺