Number 570
Material Wool
Style Pictorial
Origin Qashqai
Type Tribal
Size 236 x 141
Age 1331 or 1912
This is one of a very small number of Qashqai rugs from the Qajar period with a design inspired by the bas-relief rock carvings from the ancient Achaemenid capital of Persepolis. The Kashkuli clan of the Qashqai confederation would winter in the water rich area around ruins and gradually started welcoming intrepid European travelers, adventurers and archaeologists. The huge rock with the ancient Persian Emperor caught their fancy as the ultimate symbol of majesty and power. Et voila, our masterpiece was born!
Two rows of courtiers in small size ultimately bear the legendary King of Kings Xerxes, who is enthroned at the middle with a servant fanning him from behind. The Shahanshah of the world's then largest ever global empire receives benediction and blessing in the shape of the πππ§ππ«ππππ§, the Zoroastrian symbol of the god Ahura Mazda who appears at the top of the field with outstretched multicolored wings.
And now for something completely different. We pause for a minute and study the innermost border where we see traditional Qashqai geometric motifs, the date 1331... and chicken π
How can one not fall in love with that?
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 π±π»
I have been buying and collecting oriental rugs for over 40 years. As a result I have had direct experiences with many dealers and galleries throughout Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia. The Hadi Maktabi establishment is distinct and unique. It is rare to find a dealer who not only has a discerning taste and excellent choice of rugs. But with Hadi, the experience is one of an erudite oriental rug scholar paired with years of family experiences and traditions dealing in rugs, carpets and textiles. The available choices, diversity and quality of his stock is awesome. It is always a pleasure. Highly recommended and satisfying. As a collector he has become not only a partner of choice, knowledge and information but also a valued friend. Robert Bell, CEO Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, U.K. π¬π§
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 π±π§
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