Number 1037
Type Workshop
Material Wool
Style Pictorial
Origin Tabriz
Size 467 x 354
Age 1920
The craze for Persia's ancient past went viral in the 1920s as numerous archaeological excavations yielded more buried treasures. As Iran's National Museum was being set up, carpets were being woven depicting such ceramic and metalware items from millennia past and they catered to the fashionable homes of the time.
This is easily the most impressive variant of the Zirkhaki school of 'archaeological' carpets I have seen. Woven in Tabriz in the late Qajar and early Pahlavi years when a craze of Persia's pre-Islamic past took hold, it shows various excavated metalwork and ceramic treasures. Numerous European expeditions were busy digging up artifacts and objects and this lit up a fascination amongst wealthy locals that ultimately ended with the establishment of the National Museum of Iran in 1937 under the leadership of Andre Godard and the watchful eye of Reza Shah.
The scale of this chef d’oeuvre is imposing and palatial. I have not seen any other longer than 4 meters. There is no symmetry whatsoever and no repeats at all throughout the vast ivory field. We see layers of symbolism and secret characters scattered in many corners of the design. Most intriguingly, the apex of the field contains a ceramic bowl depicting the Virgin Mary holding the Infant Christ, above which is a prayer rug with mihrab arching overhead the Virgin & Child.
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. 🇬🇧
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 🇰🇼
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 🇭🇰
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