Number 91pon
Material Wool
Style Pictorial
Origin Gabbeh
Type Tribal
Size 169 x 114
Age 1950
Nader Shah Afshar (1736-1747) remains the great folk hero and cult legend of many Persians, especially the very proud tribespeople who consider him one of their own. He rose from humble origins to become "the last great Asiatic conqueror" and changed the fate of a whole continent in a few brief years. His portraits gained a cult following and were depicted on numerous Persian rugs, mostly urban workshop creations. It is unusual to see him (or any portrait really) on a nomadic rug such as this.
What makes it more unusual is that the carpet is woven with two opposing directions for the motifs. Nader and the lower peacock border face one way while the other three borders and the horned antelope face the other.
I first met Dr. Maktabi as a lecturer on carpet history and was captivated by his passion for the subject. Only later I knew him as a dealer, though even in our financial transactions, Hadi has been a gentle guide and friend. He has understood my taste and interests and made wonderful suggestions, but never in a pushy way. That is to say I have enjoyed working with him on several levels and wish to continue our excellent relations and dealings far into the future. A. Harvey Pincis, formerly Dar Al Athar Al Islamiyyah Museum (Kuwait), Latvia 🇱🇻
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
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. 🇬🇧