Number 1752
Type Workshop
Material Wool
Style Pictorial
Origin Tabriz
Size 60 x 88
Age 1943-44
Signed by the legendary Grand Master Aalabaf of Tabriz
Inscribed PGC : Persian Gulf Command
The PGC was set up to be the American forward base in the Middle East during the second world war. In Iran specifically, through which the Americans supplied petroleum and heavy weaponry to Soviet Russia. What Cold War? The mother of all October surprises. It’s a unique facet of 20th century military history and it’s immortalized in this rug. It’s also a timely reminder of how close the two countries were until recent times.
As storms of violence herald an engulfing darkness and clouds of hatred rain down death and destruction, it feels as if the end of history is near and that the final chapter, as always, will be set in the Middle East.
But we’ve been here before.
With the same players, the usual villains.
In fact we’ve been here so many hundreds of times across thousands of years. Our lands are where the Tree of Life was planted and where Armageddon is supposed to happen. For now, as the clock counts down to yet another Wild West showdown, the devil holds all the cards in his hand and watches as the dogs of war howl and howl.
Why don’t they give peace a chance?
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 🇭🇰
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 🇫🇷
I must say this one of the most enriching carpet purchase experiences I ever had. This was not a mere transaction but more an experience about art and history. Dr Maktabi's experience and knowledge in this space is second to none. Highly recommended! R.A., Doha, Qatar
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