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 todayโs 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.
Jโai fait la connaissance de Hadi lors de la prรฉparation de lโexposition ยซ LโEmpire des roses, chefs-dโลuvre de lโart persan du 19รจme siรจcle ยป qui a eu lieu au Louvre-Lens en 2018 et ร laquelle il a participรฉ par le prรชt de tapis exceptionnels. Jโavais alors รฉtรฉ impressionnรฉe par ses connaissances et sa passion pour les tapis orientaux. Cette rencontre a marquรฉ le dรฉbut dโune collaboration riche et fructueuse. Elle a notamment permis au musรฉe du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac de voir ses collections iraniennes sโenrichir de plusieurs tapis et tentures dont certains nโont pas leur รฉquivalent dans les musรฉes occidentaux. Ce que jโapprรฉcie chez Hadi ? Cโest son professionnalisme, son dynamisme et lโengouement quโil a pour son mรฉtier ! Hana Chidiac, Curator of the Middle East Department at the Musee Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, Paris, France ๐ซ๐ท
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 ๐ญ๐ฐ
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 ๐ฆ๐บ
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