Number 15 69
Type Workshop
Material Wool
Style Pictorial
Origin Tehran
Size 49 x 77
Age 1880
The royal looms of Qajar Tehran almost never produced pictorial rugs, this horizontally shaped tableau a notable exception. It depicts the legendary 18th century folk hero, the Sufi leader Nour Ali Shah with his scepter, camel hair felt cap (Taj) and begging bowl (Kashkul). He is seated in a natural landscape, portrayed as one in nature and deliberately juxtaposed with a rich palatial mansion. Bands of medieval Persian poetry run around the border. A unique work of art from a bygone age.
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 🇭🇰
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 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 🇱🇧