Number 100
Type Workshop
Origin Isfahan
Material Wool
Style Pictorial
Size 219 x 136
Age 1900
Agha Ahmad Ajami was, after Shoreshi, the foremost carpet artist in Isfahan in the pre-Seirafian period prior to the 1930s. His carpets were so famous and his influence so long-lasting that an entire generation of cotton-warped Isfahan rugs are eponymously called "Ahmadi" after him. However, those actually signed by him are tremendously rare and hard to come by. They remain the real deal naturally. It is fascinating to see how he confidently signed his first name only, a sign of his stature and fame, and added the noble title Agha in front.
His speciality was in pictorial subjects inspired by figures from Persian history and mythology. The dominant color palette was earthy tones (beige, cream, gold) and reds.
This carpet depicts the Safavid Shah Sulayman. The border depicts roundels of other mythical kings separated by elegant calligraphic cartouches.
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 🇱🇧
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
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 🇱🇻
Email List
Request Offer