Number 1831
Type Village
Material Wool
Style Prayer Rug
Origin Farahan
Size 128 x 75
Age 1850
This is a marvelous find.
It is the only Farahan prayer rug I know of.
Despite the lack of mehrab prayer niche, it is clearly an item of religious art and function. The size is odd for Farahan carpets but ideally suited for prayer use. The top, where the forehead touches the ground, is inscribed with the verse recited during prostration in prayer:
سبحان ربي الاعلى و بحمده
Either side of that we see opened up palms placed on the ground, indicating where the pious owner would place their hands. These are known as the Hands of Fatima. Note the lovingly manicured nails.
Elsewhere, we see the field has an allover Herati or Mahi pattern. The pattern coalesced in the Farahan region in the early to mid 19th century. One standout and very localized feature is the superb emerald green dye which was a local speciality and is hard to find elsewhere. This specific green usually survives well and does not oxidize nor fade.
Perfect condition with full pile and intact ends with full kilim finishing.
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. 🇬🇧
“I practically furnished my entire home with carpets from Hadi. The process was not only a joy but it was also a learning experience for me. Hadi was super helpful in identifying the right pieces for my home that would both work with my taste, budget, sizes required and that would be a good investment for my family. Hadi’s collection is second to none, and his knowledge and service is truly the blessing on top.” Amr Banaja, Public Investment Fund, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
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 🇱🇻
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