Number 91
Type Workshop
Material Wool
Style Medallion
Origin Kashan
Size 197 x 136
Age 1870
For lovers of the oldest Persian carpets, this is magic. It stands on the cusp of that delicate transition from high grade Farahan weaving in the 1850s and the launch of the Mohtasham school in Kashan in the 1870s. Which is it? I find it really hard to tell. I've only seen 2 other rugs with this blend of Mohtasham-like soft wool and mesmerizing dyes and the floppier handle of the older and more supple Farahan rugs. Regardless, as Shakespeare says, a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.
The calligraphic border is a tour de force, impeccable and arresting. The blues sparkle, especially the ton sur ton combo of midnight and sky blues. There is grace and skill at every turn: the mathematically precise border, the beautifully crenellated indigo frame around the ivory field, the perfection of the Nastaliq script and the sense of balance and symmetry throughout.
In short, one of the best Persian carpets I have ever seen.
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 🇱🇻
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 🇫🇷
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
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