Number 462
Type Village
Material Wool
Style Medallion
Origin Serapi
Size 243 x 184
Age Dated 1313 Hijri (1895-6)
Inscribed ๐๐๐ง๐ข๐๐ฎ๐๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ฏ๐ ๐๐๐ก๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฃ ๐ผ๐ข๐๐ง ๐๐ค๐ข๐๐ฃ 1313
ูุฑู
ุงูุด ู
ูุฑุฒุง ุตุงูุญ ุฎุงู ุงู
ูุฑ ุชูู
ุงู ูกูฃูกูฃ
Perfect condition
Museum quality
Mirza Saleh Khan was one of the leading Qajar dignitaries and politicians of his day, who also was one of the most influential figures in the rise of the social status of Persian carpets. He was one of the earliest benefactors and sponsors of the fabled Mohtasham workshop of Kashan, his name appearing as the commissioner of a couple of surviving signed masterpieces by Mohtasham himself.
Prior to that, during his tenure as governor of South Azerbaijan, based in Tabriz, he became one of the first Qajar leaders to spot the dramatic potential of the weaving villages of Heriz and Bakhshayesh where this stunning artwork was created on his explicit order. I also have in my private collection a remarkable Hajji Jalili Tabriz made for him as well as a very rare Qazvini rug he ordered while serving as that areaโs governor subsequently.
In this marvellous and frankly unique Serapi, we are immediately impressed by the uncommon proportions and the incredible balancing of negative to positive space. The rhomboid medallion and scrolling vinery border suggest this may well be a Bakhshayesh. The natural dyes are outstanding, especially the turquoise of the border and the brilliant madder red of the field.
A true work of art and an unparalleled beauty. The ultimate rare exclusive luxury.
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. ๐ฌ๐ง
โI 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. Hadiโs collection is second to none, and his knowledge and service is truly the blessing on top.โ Amr Banaja, Public Investment Fund, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia ๐ธ๐ฆ
You can't only be a customer of Hadi Maktabi. While his main purpose is rug dealing, he starts with story telling and ends with history selling. That's what I call high-end art curating and closing it all with an entertaining friendship. George El Hani, CEO Levica, Lebanon ๐ฑ๐ง