Number 100
Type Workshop
Origin Isfahan
Material Wool
Style Pictorial
Size 219 x 136
Age 1900
Agha Ahmad Ajami was, after Shoreshi, the foremost carpet artist in Isfahan in the pre-Seirafian period prior to the 1930s. His carpets were so famous and his influence so long-lasting that an entire generation of cotton-warped Isfahan rugs are eponymously called "Ahmadi" after him. However, those actually signed by him are tremendously rare and hard to come by. They remain the real deal naturally. It is fascinating to see how he confidently signed his first name only, a sign of his stature and fame, and added the noble title Agha in front.
His speciality was in pictorial subjects inspired by figures from Persian history and mythology. The dominant color palette was earthy tones (beige, cream, gold) and reds.
This carpet depicts the Safavid Shah Sulayman. The border depicts roundels of other mythical kings separated by elegant calligraphic cartouches.
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. 🇬🇧
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 🇦🇺
“You don’t just buy a rug from Dr Maktabi... It’s an experience, a rich one! You learn about history, culture & art. And more importantly you feel euphoric!” Dr Siamak Abolhassani, Expert Medical Care Clinics, Victoria, Australia 🇦🇺
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