Number Sold
Material Wool
Style Prayer Rug
Origin Qashqai
Type Tribal
Size 55 x 45
Age 1880
A unique work of ethnographic art, this tiny carpet punches far above its weight. As a general rule, nomads were illiterate and we barely find any writing on tribal rugs beyond the scarce signature here or a date there. Suddenly this appears and it is quite a welcome conundrum.
I spent long weeks at it until I cracked the puzzle. In short the carpet is a lengthy prayer chant, dedicated to the 12 Imams of the Shia. Their names are listed in angular script. The carpet most likely was made as a pious donation to a holy shrine in Fars province and the rug was based off a drawing made by a professional artist/calligrapher then copied by a Qashqai lady weaver.
The artwork has been published twice in the past:
- Woven Gardens: Nomad and Village Rugs of the Far Province of Southern Persia, David Black & Clive Loveless (eds)
- The Lost Language, Value & Symbolism in Oriental Rugs, John M Douglass & Sue N. Peters, vol.2, pl.80
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
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 dealerβs 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
I have been buying and collecting oriental rugs for over 40 years. As a result I have had direct experiences with many dealers and galleries throughout Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia. The Hadi Maktabi establishment is distinct and unique. It is rare to find a dealer who not only has a discerning taste and excellent choice of rugs. But with Hadi, the experience is one of an erudite oriental rug scholar paired with years of family experiences and traditions dealing in rugs, carpets and textiles. The available choices, diversity and quality of his stock is awesome. It is always a pleasure. Highly recommended and satisfying. As a collector he has become not only a partner of choice, knowledge and information but also a valued friend. Robert Bell, CEO Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, U.K. π¬π§