Number 369
Type Workshop
Origin Isfahan
Style Prayer Rug
Material Silk & Gold Thread
Size 159 x 108
Age 1980
I consider myself lucky to have met Grand Master Ostad Mohammad Ali Khaje just before he retired. He is the absolute last in a very limited line of master weavers who practiced a now-dead technique of carpet weaving which incorporated pearls and gemstones as well as precious metals. This is one of his earliest works in this style, dating to the late 1970s or early 1980s and presented an Omar Khayyam style scene of revelry and harmless fun. The entire scape is dotted with pearls (both white and black), agate and turquoise gemstones, and gold thread. Legendary to say the least.
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 🇭🇰
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 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 🇱🇻