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
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
You can't only be a customer of Hadi Maktabi. While his main purpose is rug dealing, he starts with story telling and ends with history selling. That's what I call high-end art curating and closing it all with an entertaining friendship. George El Hani, CEO Levica, Lebanon ๐ฑ๐ง
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