The most exciting projects we have collaborated on in the last decade have been those that have tasked us to provide quirky antique rugs to cutting edge contemporary residences. As the vogue for minimalist furnishings and pale colors has expanded in today’s homes, it has proven to be a lifesaver for many design projects to throw in a couple of antique rugs and other colorful objects of choice.
Modern rugs are for the most part dull and soulless, working best (if at all) when there is some warmth around them to make up for their lack of spirit. Conversely, the heartwarming radiance of century old natural vegetable dyes and the intimate unpredictability of old carpets, particularly those of a tribal or rustic nature, have turned out to be winners time and time again. Natural dyes have an honesty to them that gives a carpet tremendous depth and texture, offsetting the rather gritty surfaces of fashionable materials like chrome, leather or lava stone (to cite examples of metal finishing, textured fabric, and flooring respectively).
The oxidation process, which every carpet on the planet has been organically subjected to from simple and daily exposure to oxygen, results in the natural dyes acquiring a delicious patina of age. This means the colors of an old rug have mellowed out and become rather restrained while losing none of their vibrancy or charm. What does this ultimately signify, in terms of furnishing and decoration? It means that the carpet is full of soul and adds life to the coldness of a monochrome off-white or grey-toned interior; and that its colors will react positively to everything around without screaming out loud. Finding the proper antique carpet is a rewarding journey that will bring multiple and repeated moments of joy to your home and gasps of pleasure to your life. These rugs have a character and a soul that will surprise you with new discoveries every time you walk into that particular room or space. At times you will admire the effortless tastefulness with which an ancient weaver combined certain colors together while at others you will be simply amazed at the motifs and secret symbols hiding in front of you in plain sight.
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
Hadi Maktabi and his staff provide comprehensive and thoughtful services to collectors and textile buyers worldwide. His knowledge of antique oriental rugs and textiles, including many fine offerings from the Levant, is unsurpassed. We have been loyal customers for over five years and have visited his Beirut premises. He has worked with us upon several occasions to select the exact Ottoman and Levantine pieces we wanted for our collection. You can be sure of quality and honesty when dealing with Hadi. Penelope and Timothy Hays, Just In From The East Collection, Florida 🇺🇸
The idea of purchasing valuable rugs and other artwork online from an overseas seller is daunting for several reasons, not least of which is the fact that, not being able to examine and feel the rug for yourself, you are never entirely certain that the origin, age or condition of the rug corresponds with the dealer’s description. For me, I could never take this step unless I had absolute trust in the integrity of the dealer, and my recent experience with Hadi confirms that my faith in him was well placed. Every detail of the antique rug expertly explained by Hadi was accurate and when I finally received the actual rug, it turned out to be even more stunning than his photos depicted. F. Alsagoff, Singapore
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