Number HA846
Type Workshop
Material Wool
Style Pictorial
Origin Kerman
Size 268 x 174
Age 1850
This exceptional pictorial artwork dates from the first half of the 19th century. It is a staggering feat of Persian art: scenes of heroism and valor from Ferdowsiβs 1,000 year old epic poem πππππ£ππ’ππ brought to life in Persian painting in the style of the royal court of Fath Ali Shah Qajar (1797β1834) and then recreated by a Kermani master weaver.
The whole composition is one lengthy and entire story of the royal sport of princes and kings: πΎππ€πππ£. Or, as we know it nowadays, Polo. Dozens of royal princes and courtiers engage in this game on horseback in the great outdoors. They are mostly wearing Qajar royal robes as was common in court painting in FASβs reign. Apart from the Sassanid Shahanshah at the top right π
Itβs likely to be the oldest Polo carpet in history, adding to its significance. A lot of action unfolds in the borders: a very long band of calligraphy all around the main field recounts the exploits of Siavash. These are verses directly culled from the Shahnameh, very elegantly inwoven and inscribed in fine π£ππ¨π©ππ‘ππ¦ script.
The outer border is flabbergasting and exhilarating in different ways. A whole menagerie of wild and exotic animals maraud around the 4 edges. Itβs the first and only instance Iβve seen of a gorilla π¦ on an antique carpet.
So much more to add but thatβs already too much to digest. A historical masterpiece for all time. Unparalleled storytelling, unequalled beauty, unrivalled creativity and finesse. The braided fringes will tell you how finely woven this is, while the natural dyes speak for themselves. The oxidised browns and beiges indicate the almost 200 years that have passed!
AVAILABLE to museums & private collections, please email or DM.
Jβai fait la connaissance de Hadi lors de la prΓ©paration de lβexposition Β« LβEmpire des roses, chefs-dβΕuvre de lβart persan du 19Γ¨me siΓ¨cle Β» qui a eu lieu au Louvre-Lens en 2018 et Γ laquelle il a participΓ© par le prΓͺt de tapis exceptionnels. Jβavais alors Γ©tΓ© impressionnΓ©e par ses connaissances et sa passion pour les tapis orientaux. Cette rencontre a marquΓ© le dΓ©but dβune collaboration riche et fructueuse. Elle a notamment permis au musΓ©e du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac de voir ses collections iraniennes sβenrichir de plusieurs tapis et tentures dont certains nβont pas leur Γ©quivalent dans les musΓ©es occidentaux. Ce que jβapprΓ©cie chez Hadi ? Cβest son professionnalisme, son dynamisme et lβengouement quβil a pour son mΓ©tier ! Hana Chidiac, Curator of the Middle East Department at the Musee Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, Paris, France π«π·
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 π±π§
As a carpet collector of 30 years, I have noticed a decline in the amount of truly unique and high quality carpets on the market. I have also noted a decline in the knowledge of merchants, generally. Hadi Maktabi stands against this trend as a both a curator for and an educator of his clients. His offerings are well-researched, museum quality carpets that are both singular and expertly chosen. In dealing with Hadi, I have experienced excellent communication, a high standard of service and extremely pleasant interactions. Warren D., Hong Kong ππ°
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