Number (sold)
Material Wool
Style Geometric
Origin Qashqai
Type Tribal
Size 235 x 170
Age 1860
In a world full of Shekarlu rugs, you stand out if you are (or have) this. The clan is one of the mightier constituents of the Qashqai confederacy and have woven their famous design for centuries. This is the single best one I have seen or handled. The quality of dye materials is outrageous! In particular the green and blue that add zest and spirit to the geometric leafy interior. The Shekarlu white border is neatly portrayed. The ends are amazing: we see the heraldic checkerboard squares in sumakh technique on either side just before those lush, braided fringes. These both are terrific markers of terrific age. A collector's nomadic rug. And totally deserving of the etymology of the Shekarlu name: The Sugar Folk.
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 🇭🇰
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 🇱🇧
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 🇱🇻