Number (sold)
Type Village
Material Wool
Style Flowery
Origin Bijar
Size 228 x 166
Age 1870
This dream is a real collector's gem. The Mostowfi pattern or spiralling arabesque vines with bouquets of flowers usually appears on Farahan or Mahal carpets, albeit dryly rendered. When it pops up on Bijar rugs it transforms into a higher level of consciousness. Invariably Mostowfi Bijars are gigantic in size, much like the related Garrus design. This masterpiece is remarkable for being in the very rare ๐ฏ๐ช๐ฎ-๐ฑ๐ข๐ณ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ฉ size (7.5 x 5 feet roughly) and for having ivory as its background color of choice rather than the ubiquitous indigo. This allows the green leaves and red flowers to sparkle and come to life. The excellence of wool and the finesse of weave are mighty impressive. It is perhaps the best small Bijar I have had the pleasure to offer my clients.
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 ๐ฑ๐ง
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 ๐ญ๐ฐ
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