Number 1812-13
Type Workshop
Style Prayer Rug
Material Wool & Silk
Origin Kashan
Size 67 x 56 -&- 63 x 58
Age 1920
A truly wondrous pair of antique Kashan rugs with extensive silk highlights and ultra soft Kork baby lambswool. I have never seen any other with such a theme. The rugs are woven with mirror symmetry, meaning the figural scenes face each other.
The Virgin Mary cradles the Infant Jesus in her arms and holds his head against hers. They are both wearing crowns, referring to Jesus the King in Christian liturgy. His gown, their eyes and their lips are executed in shimmering silk.
The scene is indubitably of European Renaissance origin, given the facial features and, above all, the choice of aquamarine blue for the Madonna's robe. This was a standard Renaissance Italian preference and most famously appears in Leonardo da Vinci's 𝙑𝙞𝙧𝙜𝙞𝙣 𝙊𝙛 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙨 in the Louvre museum, where the blue was obtained from precious lapis lazuli gemstones.
Intact, perfect condition.
A stunning pair of religious artworks that also extend to show the cultural conversations happening in the early 1900s.
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 🇫🇷
Purchasing carpets from Hadi Maktabi was the epitome of professionalism and joy. Hadi is an expert curator, purveyor, historian and story teller. His passion, knowledge, professionalism and expertise are evident every step of the way. With a wide range of choices and prices, prompt service, and fast sipping, we had our carpets in Sydney in a matter of days. The ultimate flying carpet experience! Zeina Tebbutt, Sidney, Australia 🇦🇺
Acquiring a piece from my dear friend Hadi is truly a journey. We start that journey with a lesson and detailed background on any piece that is of interest. After a thorough discussion regarding the chosen piece or should I say marvel, since Hadi's pieces are truly marvels, Hadi guides us into why he would advise us to acquire it or go for another of his marvels that would suit us more than the one initially chosen. This sincere advice always makes us feel that we are generously taken care of by Hadi. The learning process and honesty in guidance make us go back only to Hadi whenever we are looking for our next beautiful piece for our homes. All I can say is thank you Hadi for your impeccable guidance and service. Abdullah Al-Awadhi, Kuwait 🇰🇼