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.
As a carpet collector of 30 years, I have noticed a decline in the amount of truly unique and high quality carpets on the market. I have also noted a decline in the knowledge of merchants, generally. Hadi Maktabi stands against this trend as a both a curator for and an educator of his clients. His offerings are well-researched, museum quality carpets that are both singular and expertly chosen. In dealing with Hadi, I have experienced excellent communication, a high standard of service and extremely pleasant interactions. Warren D., Hong Kong 🇭🇰
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. 🇬🇧
Purchasing carpets from Hadi Maktabi was the epitome of professionalism and joy. Hadi is an expert curator, purveyor, historian and story teller. His passion, knowledge, professionalism and expertise are evident every step of the way. With a wide range of choices and prices, prompt service, and fast sipping, we had our carpets in Sydney in a matter of days. The ultimate flying carpet experience! Zeina Tebbutt, Sidney, Australia 🇦🇺
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