Number SOLD
Type Workshop
Material Wool
Style Pictorial
Origin Kerman
Size 251 x 146
Age 1875
One of the most incredible antique rugs we have ever had the privilege of owning. This lavish Kerman pardeh is a unique pictorial composition. Technically and aesthetically it belongs to the ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ก๐จ๐จ๐ฅ of ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ข ๐๐๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ข and his pupil and successor ๐๐จ๐ก๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐๐ ๐ข๐๐ง ๐๐๐๐๐๐ซ. The quality of wool, of weave, and of the succulent natural dyes all testify to that. The figural imagery gives us a narrow window to date it with reasonable precision.
The upper half contains a shell-shaped roundel (recalling Botticell's ๐๐ช๐ณ๐ต๐ฉ ๐ฐ๐ง ๐๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ถ๐ด) that depicts Adam and Eve and the Forbidden Apple that caused their fall. The devilish serpent twists and coils around the Tree of Knowledge behind them, in a bubble of fantastical flowery foliage. Zoomed out, in the lower half of the carpet, we see two archangels that are most beautifully and brilliantly represented. Their wings, costumes and expressions are (excuse the pun) simply divine.
Note the total and absolute lack of symmetry in the field. Despite the density of the attractive flowery forms, the trees and birds grow and pose in unique individual ways. The range of colors is most pleasant too. The border is a tour de force of technique and dexterity as well.
Museum quality. Simply unique and a testament to the timeless skill of Kerman's artists.
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 ๐ญ๐ฐ
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 ๐บ๐ธ
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 ๐ฑ๐ป
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