nadir - 2-28-2004 at 02:52 PM
I was wondering if there were any distinct features about the Nahat ouds that were able to distinguish them from other ouds. I know that inlay is one
feature, but that can be easily copied well; what about the dome? Is there something special about that?
Dr. Oud - 3-1-2004 at 11:48 AM
The family of Nahat (Abdo, Hanna, Roufan, Georges and Abdo the grandson) made ouds in various sizes, so the "dome" (I assume you mean the
body or back) is not so characteristic. The main features identifying Nahats are:
1. The rose usually had the name of the maker in the center.
2. The label.
3. The workmanship is unexcelled - precise, intricate and well balanced.
4. The tone - deep, clear, and highly resonate.
The labels and roses can be conterfeit, but the workmanship and tone cannot. It takes some experience to judge these characteristics, however.
nadir - 3-2-2004 at 07:52 AM
Thanks! Is that all there is though?
Dr. Oud - 3-2-2004 at 09:13 AM
I'm not sure what you are asking for. The oud needs to have a combination of all these characteristics to be a valid Nahat. Many have been
repaired wth incorrect designs or patched together with a rose or label or some part of an original Nahat, but they are not valid Nahat ouds. I
restored a 1902 Hana Nahat that had been repaired with a face of a different design, so I would not consider it a Nahat in that condition. I replaced
the face with a new one using the original Hana Nahat design, and it has a new life as a restored Nahat oud. An original face is rare and not to be
expected, but a faithful restoration can revive the original characteristics of the oud.