Number D0043
Type Caucasian
Origin Shahsavan
Material Wool
Style Prayer Rug
Size 181 x 127
Age 1336 (1918)
There's a lot going. And it's all fun.
The field in essence has a ๐๐๐ก๐ก๐ ๐๐ช๐ก๐ฉ๐๐ฃ theme with its staggered rows of flowering vases. This was a royal Qajar style that quickly became a marker of class and elegance. However, and most unusually, we see clearly defined figural representations all around.
In the middle there is a young bride escorted by two gentlemen whom we assume to be her brothers, given they are equally young and similar in dress and facial features. The conclusion is that this is a dowry rug, commissioned for the happy occasion of her wedding. Alongside this grouping of three figures are two pairs of lions ๐ฆ , four in total, placed there for protection. The use of a Lion by nomadic weavers was never by chance because it remains one their most symbolic motifs. Above and below the lions, we see 4 ladies in waiting. Their dress code and general comportment, with raised hands, suggest they are of a lower social standing than the relatively princelier bride in the middle.
At the top we have an inscription saying ๐๐๐ง๐ข๐๐ฎ๐๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฎ๐๐ 333: commissioned by the Sayyed 333. The title indicates a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, a holy bloodline held in very high regard by tribes folk. His first name is not indicated but numerologically is equivalent to 333. He must be most likely the father of the bride, the Steve Martin of southern Persia. We also see a date, 1333 Hijri, right at the end of the First World War.
All in all, a unique work of Islamic Art and ethnographic folk art. This should be in a museum.
Perfectly preserved. End kilim with lovingly tasseled and braided fringes.
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 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 ๐ฑ๐ป
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
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