Number 24425
Type Workshop
Style Flowery
Material Wool & Silk
Origin Tehran
Size 523 x 302
Age 1885
This is one of the most beautiful, exhilarating and ambitious Tehran carpets I have seen. It is one of 3 I have encountered with this sweet ππ€π‘ πππ§ππ£π pattern executed on a finely woven ivory crΓ¨me field. (You can find another, half the size here π π π .πππππππππππ.πππ/ππππππ/π·πΏπΌ.)
This pattern, in its famous and well-known form, developed in Russian Karabagh, across the Araxes River from Persia, under imperial Romanov auspices. (You can find one of the oldest or earliest of this type here: π π π .πππππππππππ.πππ/ππππππ/π»πΆπΈ.) The Karabagh prototypes were woven for the Russian court and aristocracy in St Petersburg and were modeled on Imperial French textiles and weavings (e.g. Aubusson carpets) from the period of Napoleon III. Their royal and sumptuary links caused the Romanov and then the Qajar dynasties to both in turn adopt this design as their own. The Karabagh antecedents were all woven on dark blue or brown backgrounds: the Tehran variants (the 3 being discussed here) stand out for their white fields. Cream toned Tehran rugs are very rare, as are any Persian rugs of the 19th century of any type whatsoever.
The ivory ground here offers a very sweet and tender backdrop to the curling vines and rising ivy, with all geraniums and roses executed in pink, red and white silk highlights. The effect is both sublime and magnificent. It feels truly royal. Please note this carpet was not made for commercial usage but for a Qajar palace or residence. It is extremely rare not only for its colors and design but also for its scale. The gigantic dimensions make the viewer or guest really feel they are within a private, secret garden.
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 π±π»
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
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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