Number 221
Material Wool
Style Prayer Rug
Type Anatolian
Origin Anatolian
Size 178 x 124
Age 1860
The Manastir Turkish clans get their name from their original habitats on the slopes of Balkan mountains atop which Greek Orthodox monasteries (like Mount Athos) perched. Most Manastir rugs are kilim woven making knotted pile carpets like this rarer. Aesthetically it belongs to a design group called Mecidi (Majidi) after the Sultan Abdul Majid who reigned 1839-1861 on account of certain stylistic factors in carpet design which appeared during his reign. They are sometimes called Ottoman Baroque. The white field is knotted with undyed sheep's wool, dotted with abstract symbols and crowned with a domed mosque at the top. Note the protective halos around the mosque--fascinating! The mehrab prayer niche is ghost like and jagged, somewhat electrified. Perhaps most puzzlingly the border has two distinct patterns, both of oversized roundel forms.
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
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. 🇬🇧