Number 682
Type Workshop
Style Prayer Rug
Material Wool & Silk
Origin Tehran
Size 371 x 221
Age 1880
Easily one of the most beautiful carpets I have encountered in my career. This Qajar masterpiece is inspired by the famous garden carpets of Karabagh, the pride of Russian Empire weavings. It stands out from those for a number of reasons and is one of two of type only that I have seen (the other is in my mother's salon!). First, the finely spun wool and the lavish silk highlights. Then we have the unbelievable white field which brings out the stunning pinks and reds of the roses and geraniums. The pattern, in addition, is more ornate and curvilinear and truly brings to mind a real life rose garden--you can almost smell the aromatic scent of the flowers! Was it a special commission? Certainly I would say. Its nonconventional proportions indicate it was created to match the dimensions of a very specific hall. Mouthwatering.
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 🇱🇻
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 🇱🇧
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 🇰🇼