Number 587-588
Type Workshop
Material Wool
Style Prayer Rug
Origin Kashan
Size 204 x 130 each
Age 1925
One of the finest pairs of Kashan that our family has seen. In fact we have not seen a finer pair in the last 20 years. For interwar Persia city carpets--woven in Isfahan, Kashan, Tabriz or Kerman--the most desirable and best selling are always ghaliche sized pairs like these. Especially when their designs are directional and not medallion type.
There is so much to discover and admire in these twin rugs. A cornucopia of flowers emanates from a blossoming vase alongside which two slender trees of life grow upwards as well, all the way up to the peak of the slender mihrab niche. Sublime. Timeless. The fact that they are identical and both in full pile adds enormously to their appeal. How did they both survive?
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 🇱🇻
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. 🇬🇧
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