Number 1016-17
Type Village
Material Wool
Style Prayer Rug
Origin Jozan
Size 96 x 62 each
Age 1950
Jozan is a tiny dusty village remotely nestled in the mountain chain between Farahan and Malayer. It is perplexing how such fine rugs were woven there. Its artisans were the masters of Barjasteh weaving, the art of creating carpets with a 3D clipped pile that gives a stunning carved effect. This is no mean feat and requires terrible sophistication. The technique continued until the mid 1900s after which it dyed out. The cream field is debased while a vase and various floral motifs pop out in 3D a couple of centimeters high. Such rugs were made with the conscious awareness that they would be rare and collectible from day 1.
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 🇭🇰
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 🇱🇧