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.
Hadi Maktabi and his staff provide comprehensive and thoughtful services to collectors and textile buyers worldwide. His knowledge of antique oriental rugs and textiles, including many fine offerings from the Levant, is unsurpassed. We have been loyal customers for over five years and have visited his Beirut premises. He has worked with us upon several occasions to select the exact Ottoman and Levantine pieces we wanted for our collection. You can be sure of quality and honesty when dealing with Hadi. Penelope and Timothy Hays, Just In From The East Collection, Florida πΊπΈ
Acquiring a piece from my dear friend Hadi is truly a journey. We start that journey with a lesson and detailed background on any piece that is of interest. After a thorough discussion regarding the chosen piece or should I say marvel, since Hadi's pieces are truly marvels, Hadi guides us into why he would advise us to acquire it or go for another of his marvels that would suit us more than the one initially chosen. This sincere advice always makes us feel that we are generously taken care of by Hadi. The learning process and honesty in guidance make us go back only to Hadi whenever we are looking for our next beautiful piece for our homes. All I can say is thank you Hadi for your impeccable guidance and service. Abdullah Al-Awadhi, Kuwait π°πΌ
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·
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