Number 482
Material Wool
Style Medallion
Origin Qashqai
Type Tribal
Size 236 x 188
Age 1300 & 1320
What will they think of next? A Qashqai that thinks it's a Heriz. This is not your usual Qashqai anyway, it is signed and dated 3 times. The proportions are squarish, the color combo appealing and not conventional. The oversized medallion with its angular contours is very reminiscent of Heriz carpets, which may have influenced it. How so? This is a Khan Qashqai, woven for a chief of the tribe so quite likely to have been attentive to fashions elsewhere in the world at that point in time.
The upper date reads 1300 or 1882. Below the medallion are two occurrences of the date 1320 or 1902. It doesn't make sense that it took them 20 years to weave this rug so the most likely explanation is that it was a commemorative item made for the 20th anniversary of a certain auspicious event.. As such it is a very important and enlightening missing link in carpet history and tribal studies.
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 🇱🇧
The idea of purchasing valuable rugs and other artwork online from an overseas seller is daunting for several reasons, not least of which is the fact that, not being able to examine and feel the rug for yourself, you are never entirely certain that the origin, age or condition of the rug corresponds with the dealer’s description. For me, I could never take this step unless I had absolute trust in the integrity of the dealer, and my recent experience with Hadi confirms that my faith in him was well placed. Every detail of the antique rug expertly explained by Hadi was accurate and when I finally received the actual rug, it turned out to be even more stunning than his photos depicted. F. Alsagoff, Singapore
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