Number 1912
Type Caucasian
Material Wool
Style Prayer Rug
Origin Shirvan
Size 150 x 128
Age 1324 (1906)
This square antique prayer rug is sizzling with beauty and finesse. The quality of the dye materials is beyond magnificent. The squarish format signifies great age and an actual function as a religious item for prayer.
The motifs have a lot in common with the finest Shirvan kilims of the XIX century, suggesting a crossover. The materials and workmanship are truly superb, right down to the lovingly braided fringes and end kilims.
The rug is woven upside down to the direction of design, as with all ancient and true Caucasian and Anatolian prayer carpets. The Hijri date 1324 is inscribed twice alongside the Mehrab prayer arch.
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 🇱🇻
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 🇱🇧
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 🇰🇼