Number 946
Type Workshop
Material Wool
Style Prayer Rug
Origin Kashan
Size 53 x 61
Age 1870
Hold on, wait a minute. Double sided? Yep. Truly exceptional and one of a kind. This is an original antique Mohtasham rug, with original purple pink selvedge cords along its edges. It is double sided i.e. woven with knots or a pile on either side. This is an incredibly complex and extremely difficult technique to pull off because it entails having two very skilled weavers sitting either side of the loom and weaving simultaneously. It also requires them to have the same style of weaving in order to pull it off. One side has an elegant medallion on a pink field with blue border. The other has a mihrab niche atop a slender vase on a beige field with an earthy border. Sublime. Museum level, historical really.
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
As a carpet collector of 30 years, I have noticed a decline in the amount of truly unique and high quality carpets on the market. I have also noted a decline in the knowledge of merchants, generally. Hadi Maktabi stands against this trend as a both a curator for and an educator of his clients. His offerings are well-researched, museum quality carpets that are both singular and expertly chosen. In dealing with Hadi, I have experienced excellent communication, a high standard of service and extremely pleasant interactions. Warren D., Hong Kong ๐ญ๐ฐ
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 ๐ฆ๐บ