Number AH625
Material Wool
Style All Over
Origin Turkmen
Type Central Asian
Size 273 x 172
Age 1860
A great old Tekke from the vast, open steppes of Turkmenistan in the 19th century. This is a large size carpet for this tribe, and is called a tent or main carpet: ie it would be spread open on the floor of the tent when receiving distinguished guests. They would be honored by being invited to sit upon such a carpet.
It exists in superb condition and with full pile. Two very long end kilims stretch out at either end. They are sometimes called "skirts" for obvious reasons but to the Turkmen there were called "elem" which is an adaptation of the Arabic علم referring to flag/identifier/banner/proper noun. The manner of the stripes along the Elem would identify which tribe and clan wove it; hence this is the signature of the weaver and her identity.
Purchasing carpets from Hadi Maktabi was the epitome of professionalism and joy. Hadi is an expert curator, purveyor, historian and story teller. His passion, knowledge, professionalism and expertise are evident every step of the way. With a wide range of choices and prices, prompt service, and fast sipping, we had our carpets in Sydney in a matter of days. The ultimate flying carpet experience! Zeina Tebbutt, Sidney, Australia 🇦🇺
Hadi Maktabi and his staff provide comprehensive and thoughtful services to collectors and textile buyers worldwide. His knowledge of antique oriental rugs and textiles, including many fine offerings from the Levant, is unsurpassed. We have been loyal customers for over five years and have visited his Beirut premises. He has worked with us upon several occasions to select the exact Ottoman and Levantine pieces we wanted for our collection. You can be sure of quality and honesty when dealing with Hadi. Penelope and Timothy Hays, Just In From The East Collection, Florida 🇺🇸
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. 🇬🇧