Number 1090
Type Workshop
Material Wool
Style All Over
Origin Khorasan
Size 300 x 196
Age 1221
This historical carpet is an important document that shows us the nascent design that came to be called Herati in the West and Mahi in Iran. For a full discussion please see my book ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐: ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ด๐ผ๐๐๐ฒ๐ป ๐ฌ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ญ๐ณ๐ฎ๐ฎ-๐ญ๐ด๐ณ๐ฎ where I trace the history and development of this pattern and its famous motifs. This carpet is one of two dated pieces that give us concrete proof that the Herati form had reached this mature expression by 1800. It has two inscriptions, one legible recto and one verso incredibly. The date 1221 is given, as well as the name of the workshop, the commissioner of the carpet and tow home it was intended. All in all, this is a major revelation for the health and vibrant state of the carpet industry in the alleged dark ages. It offers remarkable proof to the contrary and is of extreme importance. It survives in fragmentary form with much of the border having been diligently and delicately rewoven in the early 20th century.
To me personally there is no surprise, event or frankly anything that gets me more excited than the purchase of a treasured piece of understated artwork such as that of a proper vintage/antique carpet. The sourcing, grading and authentication of these pieces is no small task but is of the highest importance. Through the respected dealer Hadi Maktabi all that is guaranteed, and rest assured the one thing I can guarantee personally as a client is a first class service from the initial selection process till it gets delivered right to your door step. It was an undeniably special experience, with hundreds of carpets to choose from, will definitely be visiting again. Thank you dear Hadi. Habeeb Al Monawer, Kuwait ๐ฐ๐ผ
โYou donโt just buy a rug from Dr Maktabi... Itโs an experience, a rich one! You learn about history, culture & art. And more importantly you feel euphoric!โ Dr Siamak Abolhassani, Expert Medical Care Clinics, Victoria, Australia ๐ฆ๐บ
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 ๐ฑ๐ป