Number SOLD
Type Workshop
Material Wool
Style Medallion
Origin Kashan
Size 197 x 136
Age 1870
For lovers of the oldest Persian carpets, this is magic. It stands on the cusp of that delicate transition from high grade Farahan weaving in the 1850s and the launch of the Mohtasham school in Kashan in the 1870s. Which is it? I find it really hard to tell. I've only seen 2 other rugs with this blend of Mohtasham-like soft wool and mesmerizing dyes and the floppier handle of the older and more supple Farahan rugs. Regardless, as Shakespeare says, a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.
The calligraphic border is a tour de force, impeccable and arresting. The blues sparkle, especially the ton sur ton combo of midnight and sky blues. There is grace and skill at every turn: the mathematically precise border, the beautifully crenellated indigo frame around the ivory field, the perfection of the Nastaliq script and the sense of balance and symmetry throughout.
In short, one of the best Persian carpets I have ever seen.
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. 🇬🇧
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 🇱🇧
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 🇦🇺
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