Number 358
Origin Shahsavan
Material Wool
Style Geometric
Type Kilim
Size 543 x 196
Age 1850
I still remember my excitement when I found this kilim many years ago and my long process to acquire it. An octogenarian fellow in the Tabriz bazar had it in his personal possession, a family heirloom from his great grandfather who had been a Khan of the noble Shahsavan tribe in the mid 19th century. Their clan lived in the lush areas around Hashtrūd and this kilim spent over a century and a half neatly folded in a wooden chest. Woven in two strips on account of the tremendous size, the kilim boasts some remarkable natural dyes. The size is ginormous and related to ceremonial events. It would be brought out and unfurled perhaps once or twice a year on important occasions like Nowrūz or a family feast. I am proud to have it in my collection now, a piece of history in its own right.
J’ai fait la connaissance de Hadi lors de la préparation de l’exposition « L’Empire des roses, chefs-d’œuvre de l’art persan du 19ème siècle » qui a eu lieu au Louvre-Lens en 2018 et à laquelle il a participé par le prêt de tapis exceptionnels. J’avais alors été impressionnée par ses connaissances et sa passion pour les tapis orientaux. Cette rencontre a marqué le début d’une collaboration riche et fructueuse. Elle a notamment permis au musée du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac de voir ses collections iraniennes s’enrichir de plusieurs tapis et tentures dont certains n’ont pas leur équivalent dans les musées occidentaux. Ce que j’apprécie chez Hadi ? C’est son professionnalisme, son dynamisme et l’engouement qu’il a pour son métier ! Hana Chidiac, Curator of the Middle East Department at the Musee Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, Paris, France 🇫🇷
“You don’t just buy a rug from Dr Maktabi... It’s an experience, a rich one! You learn about history, culture & art. And more importantly you feel euphoric!” Dr Siamak Abolhassani, Expert Medical Care Clinics, Victoria, Australia 🇦🇺
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 🇱🇻
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