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 🇫🇷
“You don’t just buy a rug from Dr Maktabi... It’s an experience, a rich one! You learn about history, culture & art. And more importantly you feel euphoric!” Dr Siamak Abolhassani, Expert Medical Care Clinics, Victoria, Australia 🇦🇺
“I practically furnished my entire home with carpets from Hadi. The process was not only a joy but it was also a learning experience for me. Hadi was super helpful in identifying the right pieces for my home that would both work with my taste, budget, sizes required and that would be a good investment for my family. Hadi’s collection is second to none, and his knowledge and service is truly the blessing on top.” Amr Banaja, Public Investment Fund, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
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