Number 1906
Origin Sarab
Material Camel Hair
Style Prayer Rug
Type Tribal
Size 379 x 167
Age 1317 (1899)
A unique tribal Sarab carpet woven with plush camel hair, combining geometric abstraction with rich Persian symbolism. The upper border carries an important inscription:
ู
ุญุฑูู
ุงูุญุฑุงู
ุณูุฉ ูกูฃูกูง
๐๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐๐ฐ๐ญ๐บ ๐๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ต๐ฉ ๐๐ง ๐๐ฐ๐ฉ๐ข๐ณ๐ณ๐ข๐ฎ ๐๐ฏ ๐๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ ๐ฆ๐ข๐ณ 1317
Nomadic Sarab rugs are almost never signed nor dated. Why would one be inscribed in this manner? The key rests in the month of Moharram, which is when the 10 days of the battle of Karbala took place in the year 61 of the Hijra (683 AD). Ashoura, the religious commemoration of the killing of the Prophet's grandson, Imam Hossein, remains arguably the single most important event in the Shia calendar. During these 10 days, and until today, people would gather in mosques or ๐๐ฐ๐ด๐ด๐ฆ๐ช๐ฏ๐ช๐บ๐ขs to recite the tragic stories of that battle. As such, the month of Moharram carries significant socio-cultural connotations and its mentioning on a carpet indicates that it was commissioned for either a mosque or more likely a ๐๐ฐ๐ด๐ด๐ฆ๐ช๐ฏ๐ช๐บ๐ข on this holy occasion.
As such we have here not only a very beautiful antique artifact, but also a very gripping artwork of massive ethnographic and religious value.
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 ๐ฐ๐ผ
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
To me personally there is no surprise, event or frankly anything that gets me more excited than the purchase of a treasured piece of understated artwork such as that of a proper vintage/antique carpet. The sourcing, grading and authentication of these pieces is no small task but is of the highest importance. Through the respected dealer Hadi Maktabi all that is guaranteed, and rest assured the one thing I can guarantee personally as a client is a first class service from the initial selection process till it gets delivered right to your door step. It was an undeniably special experience, with hundreds of carpets to choose from, will definitely be visiting again. Thank you dear Hadi. Habeeb Al Monawer, Kuwait ๐ฐ๐ผ