Number bbr
Material Wool
Origin Baluch
Style Animal
Type Central Asian
Size 144 x 102
Age 1850
Took me 2 long years to acquire it. And it turned out to be far more important than I dared imagine. Check this out ๐ and brace yourselves for a ride of literally Biblical proportions, mathematical ingenuity, and primal tribal power.
The mystery weaver drew 125 peacocks. I doubt any other rug has a higher number. 5 stand out in glaring white forming a clear cross shape ie โ marks the spot. The cruciform symbolism needs no explaining. That leaves 120 birds in alternating shades of saturated red.
The numeral 5 has profound symbolism in Islam beyond the pentagram: the five prayers, the five pillars, the five holy members of the Prophet Mohammadโs household, ๐ etc.
Mathematically 120 = 5! = 5 x 4 x 3 x 2 x 1. This is called 5-factorial and brilliantly links the number of white birds to that of the dark ones. 120 is a number imbued with significant numerical and numerological symbolism. It forms the ancient โlong hundredโ of Germanic & Anglo-Saxon society (look it up).
It is 12 x 10, a combo of the two most widespread modular bases. Our current arithmetic scheme is base 10 (fingers, toes, currency, counting sheep..). The ancient Babylonian one was base 12, hence 12 hours and 12 months and 360 degrees in a circle etc. Of course 12 also refers to the Shiโa Imams, the Apostles of Christ, the Israelite Tribes, the constellations of the zodiac, days of Christmas, and so endlessly on.
120 is also associated with ancient Zoroastrian & Hebrew traditions. Said to be the age of Moses at time of death, โ120 yearsโ is used by both Persians and Jews today as a really incredible age to live to. โOnce in 120 yearsโ is equivalent in Persian culture to โonce in a blue moonโ in English. Itโs said that the ancient Achaemenids would hold festivities every 120 years and no living human would ever witness two, hence the saying.
I think Iโll stop here.
Just forget all the above now and behold how truly beautiful this Baluch rug really is. Regardless of everything. But how infinitely more sublime it is when considering everything.
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
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 dealerโs 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 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. ๐ฌ๐ง
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