Number 2021
Type Workshop
Material Wool
Style All Over
Origin Farahan
Size 70 x 267
Age 1224 or 1324
This is a remarkable artwork, a wonder that it has survived. The facts that are evident are:
It was woven in Farahan, an example of that very soft and refined weave associated with the highest echelons of Qajar society.
It is uniquely trapezoidal in shape, unlike the familiar format of horse and most animal covers.
It is huge and impressive in scale and proportion, suggesting it was intended as a ceremonial cover for either an elephant or a camel.
There is a wonderful visual dichotomy between the minuscule vase at the base and the dense, overgrown millefleurs ornamentation.
The existence of an elaborate dedication at the top adds further weight to this historical artifact having distinguished royal provenance. The signature cartouche says:
فرمايش حضرت اجل اصغر السلطنه
"Farmayesh hazret-e ajal Asghar Al Saltaneh"
By high order of His Exalted Excellency Asghar Al Saltaneh
If this refers to the famous Qajar politician Mirza Ali Asghar Khan Amin al-Soltan, who served as Sadr A'zam (Prime Minister) under both Nasser al-Din Shah and Mozaffar al-Din Shah Qajar, then the inscribed date reads 1324 (1906-7).
Otherwise if a different figure was behind this lavish commission then the dating would be 1224 (1809-10) and the owner would have been a noble or prince at the court of Fath Ali Shah Qajar. The archaic nature of this museum worthy artwork supports that. The primary suspect here would be Asef Al Dowleh, Prime Minister to FASQ.
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
Hadi Maktabi and his staff provide comprehensive and thoughtful services to collectors and textile buyers worldwide. His knowledge of antique oriental rugs and textiles, including many fine offerings from the Levant, is unsurpassed. We have been loyal customers for over five years and have visited his Beirut premises. He has worked with us upon several occasions to select the exact Ottoman and Levantine pieces we wanted for our collection. You can be sure of quality and honesty when dealing with Hadi. Penelope and Timothy Hays, Just In From The East Collection, Florida 🇺🇸
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