Number 1740
Material Wool
Style Geometric
Origin Qashqai
Type Tribal
Size 203 x 147
Age 1335
Remarkable tribal rug with an open field in sparkling midnight blue and a garden pavilion in the middle. At the top we see an attractively laid out inscription, executed in fine cursive calligraphy saying:
ูุฑู
ุงูุด ุขูุงู ุณูุฏ ุงุญู
ุฏ
๐พ๐ค๐ข๐ข๐๐จ๐จ๐๐ค๐ฃ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ ๐ผ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฎ๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐ข๐๐
And at the bottom we see the Hijri date 1335 (1917).
The fact that a tribal rug was in fact commissioned by special order is an eye catching feat it in its own right. The gentleman behind it was a certain Ahmad, presumably active in the Shiraz area, but praised by the double honorifics ๐ผ๐๐๐ and ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฎ๐๐. The former can be translated into something between Sir and Mister while the latter refers to a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. What is indeed odd is the fact that these ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฎ๐๐s were not tribesmen themselves since the vast plurality of tribal folk in Persia were of Turkic origin.
Who was this Ahmad? And how important was he back then that it was enough to simply mention his first name with no other explanation?
Perfect condition, charmingly nuanced abrash, earthy natural browns in the borders and center, original kilim ends and fringes.
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
Acquiring a piece from my dear friend Hadi is truly a journey. We start that journey with a lesson and detailed background on any piece that is of interest. After a thorough discussion regarding the chosen piece or should I say marvel, since Hadi's pieces are truly marvels, Hadi guides us into why he would advise us to acquire it or go for another of his marvels that would suit us more than the one initially chosen. This sincere advice always makes us feel that we are generously taken care of by Hadi. The learning process and honesty in guidance make us go back only to Hadi whenever we are looking for our next beautiful piece for our homes. All I can say is thank you Hadi for your impeccable guidance and service. Abdullah Al-Awadhi, Kuwait ๐ฐ๐ผ
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 ๐ฐ๐ผ