Number 591
Type Workshop
Material Wool
Style Medallion
Origin Dorokhsh
Size 172 x 145
Age 1890
Visually arresting and attention grabbing, this powerful rug represents the last flourish of weaving activity in the historic town of Qa'en in Khorasan, capital of the Qa'enat district. As of the 1860s weavers moved successively to Dorokhsh, Birjand and Mood close by. Qa'en had been the center of a massive carpet production in the period stretching from the 17th to the early 19th centuries. It is where designs such as the Mahi originally developed. For further info please check my book.
Here we see a bright red flare (100% organically dyed), the mother of all negative spaces, with charmingly nuanced abrash. The spandrels and medallion bear a very fine rendition of the local Mahi pattern (known as Herati in the literature).
And there, smack in the middle, we see the Zoroastrian sun. A relic of 3000 years of culture and history.
“You don’t just buy a rug from Dr Maktabi... It’s an experience, a rich one! You learn about history, culture & art. And more importantly you feel euphoric!” Dr Siamak Abolhassani, Expert Medical Care Clinics, Victoria, Australia 🇦🇺
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 dealer’s 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 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 🇱🇻