Number D0040
Type Workshop
Material Silk
Style Medallion
Origin Farahan
Size 194 x 131
Age 1850
As Silk Farahans go, they are quite a rare breed. This here is one of the oldest and finest out there. It has a very firm yet supple handle. Its main claim to greatness lies in its astonishing and intoxicating range of natural dyes. There is a sensational sky blue in the middle cross, and a boisterous blood orange red. Elsewhere in the field we see a gorgeous lime green and brilliant yellow. The partially oxidized corners reveal a genius use of cochineal purple--in fact there are two purple dyes in this rug. The shape of the medallion and the drawing of the flowers, among other features, indicate this pre-dates the Mohtasham school of Kashan which was heavily influenced by the silk Farahan genre of the mid 19th century.
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 π¦πΊ
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 πΊπΈ
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 π±π»