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BAGHDAD RUG

BAGHDAD RUG

  • Number 1790

  • Type Workshop

  • Material Wool

  • Style Medallion

  • Origin Arab

  • Size 180 x 135

  • Age 1885

Story

An extremely rare 19th century Iraqi rug inscribed " مكتب صنايع بغداد" (Baghdad School of Handicrafts). It has to be noted that the first word 'maktab' (school) shares the same etymology as my surname.

The school was established in Baghdad in 1871 in the days of the Ottoman governor (Wali) Midhat Pasha, who governed the vilayet between 1869 and 1872. While there he established a number of state schools, the Arts & Crafts. (Arts et Metiers) being one of them. His tenure was brief because his successes as a ruler got him the position of Grand Vizier in 1872.

The school taught its students a number of crafts, carpet weaving foremost among them. It had to be self sufficient, to provide for the students, and so its wares (rugs included) were carefully calibrated to be fine and attractive in order to generate income for the institution. The same was happening in the Tehran schools in parallel.

To my knowledge this is the only surviving carpet bearing this signature and concrete links to Ottoman Iraq. As such it is historically important and very collectible.

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The idea of purchasing valuable rugs and other artwork online from an overseas seller is daunting for several reasons, not least of which is the fact that, not being able to examine and feel the rug for yourself, you are never entirely certain that the origin, age or condition of the rug corresponds with the dealer’s description. For me, I could never take this step unless I had absolute trust in the integrity of the dealer, and my recent experience with Hadi confirms that my faith in him was well placed. Every detail of the antique rug expertly explained by Hadi was accurate and when I finally received the actual rug, it turned out to be even more stunning than his photos depicted. F. Alsagoff, Singapore

 

 

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 🇦🇺

 

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