Number 168586
Material Wool
Style Medallion
Origin Afshar
Type Tribal
Size 109 x 96 each
Age 1870
Tremendously fine and gloriously well preserved, this pair of square antique tribal rugs are ceremonial seating mats known as ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ ๐๐ฐ๐ณ๐ด๐ช ie literally "on the platform". A ๐๐ฐ๐ณ๐ด๐ช is the elevated wooden platform on which guests of honor sit (now commonly used in riverside traditional restaurants). It was meant to recall the Shah's throne in the 18th/19th centuries.
The fact these were made as a pair indicates either a symmetrical arrangement for a tribal khan (chief) and his wife, or for the khan with a special guest. The fact they survive as a pair, intact and together, is nothing short of a miracle.
This extra fine pair boasts a very high knot count for a tribal rug, soft handspun mountainside wool, appealing natural dyes of a calm tonality, and a gripping design. A dazzler field of radiating diagonal rainbow rows surrounds each of the elegant medallions. The square size adds visual appeal. I particularly adore the chic end kilims.
Highly collectible and perfectly preserved.
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
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
Jโai fait la connaissance de Hadi lors de la prรฉparation de lโexposition ยซ LโEmpire des roses, chefs-dโลuvre de lโart persan du 19รจme siรจcle ยป qui a eu lieu au Louvre-Lens en 2018 et ร laquelle il a participรฉ par le prรชt de tapis exceptionnels. Jโavais alors รฉtรฉ impressionnรฉe par ses connaissances et sa passion pour les tapis orientaux. Cette rencontre a marquรฉ le dรฉbut dโune collaboration riche et fructueuse. Elle a notamment permis au musรฉe du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac de voir ses collections iraniennes sโenrichir de plusieurs tapis et tentures dont certains nโont pas leur รฉquivalent dans les musรฉes occidentaux. Ce que jโapprรฉcie chez Hadi ? Cโest son professionnalisme, son dynamisme et lโengouement quโil a pour son mรฉtier ! Hana Chidiac, Curator of the Middle East Department at the Musee Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, Paris, France ๐ซ๐ท