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 πππ§πππ£ ππ πππ ππ€ππ π¨ 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.
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 π±π»
βI practically furnished my entire home with carpets from Hadi. The process was not only a joy but it was also a learning experience for me. Hadi was super helpful in identifying the right pieces for my home that would both work with my taste, budget, sizes required and that would be a good investment for my family. Hadiβs collection is second to none, and his knowledge and service is truly the blessing on top.β Amr Banaja, Public Investment Fund, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia πΈπ¦
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 π¦πΊ