Number SOLD
Type Workshop
Material Wool
Style Pictorial
Origin Kashan
Size 205 x 131
Age 1910
Now this is a revelation.
This probably is the oldest masterpiece from the hand and mind of the legendary Grand Master Mohammad Dabir Al Sanaye of Kashan. His trademark ultra soft Kork Manchester lambswool is at play here, as are the sweet and appealing dye materials. We see here an Omar Khayyam style romantic scene. I have seen 4 other carpets by Dabir with similar depictions, 2 of them having been in my possession 10 years ago. However none of these come close to the present masterpiece.
It is far finer in weave, softer in coloration, and richer overall. It is by far older than the rest. Zoom in (hit me up for closeups please) to admire the elegant detailing on the costumes, the dreaminess of the flowering trees, and the realism of the birds.
Dabir's own commitment to a superior form of excellence while weaving this masterpiece is evidenced by his incorporation of two distinct signatures within. It is to my knowledge the sole carpet he ever created that bears two such signatures of his. The one below is his standard typescript one. The one above, however, is extremely elaborate and artistic. I have never seen such calligraphy on his ลuvres d'art.
There also is a famous couplet of medieval Persian poetry:
ุนู ูุฑูุจ ุงุณุช ูู ุงุฒ ู
ุง ุงุซุฑู ุจุงูู ููุณุช
ุฌุงู
ุจุดูุณุชู ู ู
ู ุฑูุฎุชู ู ุณุงูู ููุณุช
๐๐๐ง๐ฎ ๐จ๐ค๐ค๐ฃ ๐ฃ๐ค๐ฉ๐๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ค๐ ๐ช๐จ ๐ฌ๐๐ก๐ก ๐๐ ๐ก๐๐๐ฉ
๐๐๐ ๐๐ก๐๐จ๐จ ๐ฌ๐๐ก๐ก ๐๐ง๐๐๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ก๐ก, ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฆ๐ ๐ฌ๐๐ก๐ก ๐๐ ๐๐ค๐ฃ๐
This describes the transient nature of the human condition and thus encourages the reader (or viewer) to indulge in a life of satisfaction and joy. Enjoy it while you can.
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
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. ๐ฌ๐ง
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 ๐ฆ๐บ
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