Number (sold)
Type Village
Material Camel Hair
Style Prayer Rug
Origin Bakhshayesh
Size 133 x 80
Age 1880
One of a handful of extremely rare, important and collectible Bakhshayesh tribal rugs woven with camel hair and that served as meditation or prayer rugs for high ranking members of Sufi brotherhoods in the 19th century. Camel hair as a fiber is closely linked to Sufi mystical rituals and habits given its rarity, softness and color properties. The symbolism of the camel and the great esteem in which it was held by traditional societies in the Middle East further add to that. The plain field allows the camel hair to shine, so to speak, and yields an abstract minimalist effect. We see a prayer mihrab at either end. The Heriz district where the tiny village of Bakhshayesh is located is not known for weaving small sized rugs, giving surviving examples like this tremendous appeal and importance too. Perfect condition. The softness of the texture has to be handled to be believed.
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
To me personally there is no surprise, event or frankly anything that gets me more excited than the purchase of a treasured piece of understated artwork such as that of a proper vintage/antique carpet. The sourcing, grading and authentication of these pieces is no small task but is of the highest importance. Through the respected dealer Hadi Maktabi all that is guaranteed, and rest assured the one thing I can guarantee personally as a client is a first class service from the initial selection process till it gets delivered right to your door step. It was an undeniably special experience, with hundreds of carpets to choose from, will definitely be visiting again. Thank you dear Hadi. Habeeb Al Monawer, Kuwait 🇰🇼
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 🇫🇷