PREFACE
Reading edition
While there is a singular lack of books in the English language treating directly of Rugs,—a theme which is so intensely interesting to buyers,—it is noteworthy that under the category of Oriental Carpets are to be found a few volumes of interest. These, however, are too rare and expensive for the general reader. For this reason I have undertaken to present in a concise form certain facts that may enable a novice to appreciate the beauty and interest attaching to rugs, and assist a prospective purchaser in judging of the merits of any particular rug he may desire to possess.
For much valuable information on the subject I am indebted to publications which are referred to in my Bibliography, to correspondence with Ministers to Oriental countries and Consuls residing therein, to interviews with rug-dealers in various cities, and to certain learned Americans, Armenians, Greeks, Syrians and Turks. It has also been my good fortune to be intrusted, for purposes of description and reproduction, with many beautiful and rare rugs, from owners who cherish them as treasures. These true rug-lovers have generously contributed to whatever there may be of interest in this book.
R. B. H.
New York City, August 1, 1901.
CONTENTS
Page
I. History and Details of Rug-weaving
The History15
The Loom and Its Work22
The Weavers26
The Materials30
The Quality32
The Knotting34
Designs37
The Dyes44
Oriental Colors47
II. Rug-Weaving in Egypt, Persia, and Turkey
Rug-Weaving in Egypt51
Persian Rugs53
Characteristics of Certain Persian Rugs58
Turkish Rugs71
Characteristics of Certain Turkish Rugs74
III. Rug-Weaving in India, Afghanistan, Beluchistan,
Central Asia, and the Caucasus Region
Indian Rugs87
Characteristics of Certain Indian Rugs90
Afghanistan Rugs95
Beluchistan Rugs97
Turkoman Rugs98
Characteristics of Certain Turkoman Rugs100
Caucasian Rugs105
IV. Miscellaneous Oriental Rugs
Rugs of the Holy Land111
Chinese Rugs113
Japanese Rugs116
Khilim Rugs117
Polish Rugs119
Prayer Rugs120
Silk Rugs123
Felt Rugs126
Hunting Rugs128
V. Rug-Weaving in Europe and the United States
Rug-Weaving in Europe and the United States131
Greek Rugs132
Moorish and Spanish Rugs134
Bosnian, Servian, Roumanian, and Bulgarian
Rugs136
English Rugs138
French Rugs141
Rugs of the United States143
VI. Miscellaneous Information
Inscriptions on Rugs153
Concerning Oriental Symbols156
Chinese Symbols157
Egyptian Symbols158
Indian Symbols159
Japanese Symbols160
Persian Symbols160
Turkish Symbols160
Miscellaneous Symbols161
Meanings of Some of the Place-Names Associated with Rugs162
Geographical Data164
Localities Arranged Geographically165
Localities Arranged Alphabetically170
List of Authorities175
Index179
LIST OF PLATES
Page
Antique Tabriz Silk RugFrontispiece
Oriental Rugs Decorating a Balcony20
Turkish Loom and Weavers24
Vats for Washing and Dyeing Wool—Turkey28
Soumak Rug30
Indian Rug Designers32
Sinna Rug34
Rugs being Transported38
Wool Drying after Dyeing44
Antique Persian Rug54
Khorassan Rug56
Bijar (Sarakhs) Rug58
Camel's Hair Rug from Hamadan60
Feraghan Rug62
Shiraz Rug68
Arabian Rug70
Old Ghiordes Prayer Rug74
Indian Prayer Rug78
Indian Loom and Weavers82
Afghanistan Rug95
Tekké-Turkoman or "Bokhara" Rug98
Samarkand Rug102
Daghestan Rug106
Kazak Rug108
Antique Chinese Wool Rug114
Khilim Rug117
Old Kirman Prayer Rug120
Old Anatolian Prayer Rug122
Persian Silk Rug124
Derbent Rug126
Early English Rug138
Navajo Rug146
Antique Persian Rug156
Map of the Orient164
Drawings in the Text
A Loom25
Persian or Sinna Knotting35
Turkish or Ghiordes Knotting35
Soumak Weave35
Five Forms of the Palmette39, 40
Herati Border40
Central Design41
Running Hook Design41
Pomegranate41
Palm Leaves41
Cloud Bands41
Lozenge41
Wave-like Designs42
Rosette42
Reciprocal Trefoil42
Central Design42
Four Characteristic Caucasian Designs42
Fylfot, or Swastika42
Guli Hinnai43
Lotus43
Medallion43