Number 402
Origin Shahsavan
Material Wool
Style Geometric
Type Kilim
Size 329 x 170
Age 1850
This is one of a pair of exquisitely fine kilims I bought from the descendant of one of the grand old Khans of the Shahsavan tribe. The other I sold to a very good friend of mine, a dedicated kilim collector. The nomadic clan that wove it used to inhabit the fertile grasslands around Hashtrud in Azerbaijan, so called because it lay at the conflux of 8 rivers or streams.
This kilim was made using the finest dyes and wool, and is by far finer than any other tribal kilim I've seen. The traditional Shahsavan manner of staggering rows of lozenges, separated by narrow horizontal strips, is given new life here. Indeed this may well be the originator of such designs seen elsewhere (please check the Shahsavan Shirvan Kilim elsewhere on this site). Usually 4 lozenges appear per row in a 2 meter wide kilim. Here we have 8 per 1.7 meter width. Do the width to appreciate how finer it is. It folds neatly into the size of 4 iPads stacked above one another. Dyes? Zoom in to be amazed!
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 don’t just buy a rug from Dr Maktabi... It’s an experience, a rich one! You learn about history, culture & art. And more importantly you feel euphoric!” Dr Siamak Abolhassani, Expert Medical Care Clinics, Victoria, Australia 🇦🇺
I must say this one of the most enriching carpet purchase experiences I ever had. This was not a mere transaction but more an experience about art and history. Dr Maktabi's experience and knowledge in this space is second to none. Highly recommended! R.A., Doha, Qatar
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