Number CC702
Material Wool
Style Prayer Rug
Type Anatolian
Origin Anatolian
Size 144 x 98
Age 1910
This is a unique & brilliant Ottoman-era religious carpet woven by the native Greek community of Cappadocia in Asia Minor in 1910, the descendants of the ancient Hellenic & Byzantine peoples who had lived there for over 4,000 years.
The field is dominated by the double-headed eagle bearing two swords โ๏ธ in its talons, the famous emblem of the Byzantine emperors and, subsequently, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople. It represented the Emperorโs dual suzerainty over the temporal and spiritual worlds or, alternatively, the eastern and western spheres of Christianity. In short, power. The eagle ๐ฆ
is topped by an ecumenical crown ๐ with cross, representing the emperor (and after 1453, the GO Patriarch) as Christโs vicar on earth.
The roundel bears a Greek inscription which reads ๐๐ค๐ก๐ฎ ๐พ๐๐ช๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ช๐ฅ๐ค๐ก๐. The top end of the rug has a further inscription ฮคฮ ฮ ฮฮฮคฮ ฮฮฮ ฮฮ ฮ ฮฮฃฮ ฮงฮกฮฮฃฮคฮฮฃ: Everywhere and in everything lives Christ. Further writings appear in the lower part.
The golden saffron field is very eye catching and reflects medieval Byzantine imperial and ecclesiastical banners, which you may still see today outside churches in Greece and elsewhere in the Green Orthodox & Greek Catholic world. The rug has melodious purple and sweet green tones which do not show so well in these hurried photos I took indoors (rain etc). The flower garland above the crown and the blossoming vines above that are delightful.
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
Acquiring a piece from my dear friend Hadi is truly a journey. We start that journey with a lesson and detailed background on any piece that is of interest. After a thorough discussion regarding the chosen piece or should I say marvel, since Hadi's pieces are truly marvels, Hadi guides us into why he would advise us to acquire it or go for another of his marvels that would suit us more than the one initially chosen. This sincere advice always makes us feel that we are generously taken care of by Hadi. The learning process and honesty in guidance make us go back only to Hadi whenever we are looking for our next beautiful piece for our homes. All I can say is thank you Hadi for your impeccable guidance and service. Abdullah Al-Awadhi, Kuwait ๐ฐ๐ผ
To me personally there is no surprise, event or frankly anything that gets me more excited than the purchase of a treasured piece of understated artwork such as that of a proper vintage/antique carpet. The sourcing, grading and authentication of these pieces is no small task but is of the highest importance. Through the respected dealer Hadi Maktabi all that is guaranteed, and rest assured the one thing I can guarantee personally as a client is a first class service from the initial selection process till it gets delivered right to your door step. It was an undeniably special experience, with hundreds of carpets to choose from, will definitely be visiting again. Thank you dear Hadi. Habeeb Al Monawer, Kuwait ๐ฐ๐ผ
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