Number 1749
Material Wool
Style All Over
Type Tribal
Origin Kurdish
Size 160 x 115
Age 1825
One of my favorite rug types of all time, they featured heavily with a thorough historical discussion in my book 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐭: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝟏𝟕𝟐𝟐-𝟏𝟖𝟕𝟐.
Carpet connoisseurs and art historians are aware that these historical carpets invariably come in large 𝙆𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙝 sizes. This is the only 𝙕𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙢 format piece I have had, with harmoniously proportioned size in small scale. By scale I refer to the size of the rug and not the scale of the drawing which retains its grandiose proportions and scale. One could even claim this could even be a 𝙑𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙝 sampler.. with the 2 full (complete) units of repeat.
The hero of the story, as ever with Sauj Bulagh rugs, is the incredible and formidable palette of natural dyes. Kurdish master dyers created an unbelievable yellow (border), a startling pink (field roses), a dramatic heavy metal blue and a mature green.
The sparkling colors in the field are all set against a nutty brown field that has oxidized here and there due to the walnut husk dye. This creates a lovely 3D effect with the ground seemingly carved out and the flowers and foliage in glorious full pile.
The handle of the weave and the touch of the wool are truly delightful. This is quite a catch.
The idea of purchasing valuable rugs and other artwork online from an overseas seller is daunting for several reasons, not least of which is the fact that, not being able to examine and feel the rug for yourself, you are never entirely certain that the origin, age or condition of the rug corresponds with the dealer’s description. For me, I could never take this step unless I had absolute trust in the integrity of the dealer, and my recent experience with Hadi confirms that my faith in him was well placed. Every detail of the antique rug expertly explained by Hadi was accurate and when I finally received the actual rug, it turned out to be even more stunning than his photos depicted. F. Alsagoff, Singapore
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 🇫🇷
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 🇭🇰