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PRACTICAL BOOK
OF ORIENTAL RUGS
by
Dr. G. Griffin Lewis
part 11
CLASSIP^IGATION
1920
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
62(I9/'H
ASXOH, len;^a a: :d
TiLDEN FOlKDATioNS
. »
PART II
.a '■■ I'J
SHIRVAN PRA\T:R RUG
BY COURTESY OF HARDWICK & MAGEE COMPANY, PHILADELPHIA
A prayer rug the outstanding feature of which is the unusu^il
ground of ruby red, framed by a handsomely designed border in
ivory and blue.
The prayer niche reveals a wealth of thought in its conception
and equal care in its execution. The geometrical designs — hooks,
tiny crosses, six- and eight-pointed stars and other angular figures —
are characteristic of this class of rugs and of the Daghestans with
which they are so closely related.
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
In the general market are found over fifty
different kinds of rugs, most of which are named
after the towns or districts in which they are
made, from which they are marketed, or after the
people who make them. There is generally also
some slight difference in the weave, the material,
the color, the design or the finish, which gives
each class its distinguishing, technical character.
Of late years, however, there has been such an
intermingling of races and transmission of ideas
from one country to another, that even the expert
is often unable to identify a rug with the place in
which it was made.
There is occasionally a dealer who has many
of his own names which he uses to the extinction
of all others and some of the names used in
"Western countries would not be recognized in the
countries from which the rugs come. Under such
circumstances classification becomes rather diflS-
cult and it is not to be wondered at that author-
11 161 '^^'^
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
ities sometimes disagree. Importers and dealers
in Oriental rugs would find it greatly to their
advantage if they had a strict rug nomenclature
based on facts and if they discountenanced every-
thing in the trade which tended towards charla-
tanism or inspired distrust in the minds of buyers.
In the classification to follow we will consider
rugs from a geographical stand-point.
To begin, we will consider them in the follow-
ing order: 1st, Persian; 2nd, Turkish; 3rd, Cau-
casian; 4th, Turkoman; 5th, Beluchistan; and
6th, Chinese.
No reference will be made to Indian rugs for
the reason that, outside of the fact that they are
made in India, they can nowadays hardly claim
a right to be classed as Oriental products, inas-
much as they are wholly modern creations made
merely upon a trade basis, often by machinery,
and after designs furnished by American and
European designers.
162
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BOKHARA TENT BAG
Size 4' X 210"
PROPERTY OF MR. J. H. STANTOX, AUBURN, N. Y.
(See page 284)
THE i^-- ' -">''"
1 r:^V^ARY
PUBLIC
TILDES FOUNDATIONS
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
Persian or
Iranian . .
Azerbijan
IBakhshis
Gorevan
Serapi (a)
Kara Dagh (b)
Kashan
Souj-Bulak (c)
Tabriz
. J . I Bijar, Sarakhs, (d) Lule (e)
Ardelan i Kermanshah
[ Senna (c)
Irak-Ajemi .
Farsistan or Fars.
Feraghan (f)
Hamadan
Ispahan
Joshaghan (g)
Saraband (h)
iulttabad ( Sig, („
Niris, Laristan (j)
Shiraz
Khorasan I ^^^^* ^^^
^^^^^^^^ j Khorasan proper
I Meshed
I^™^° { Kirman
Eastern Kurdistan. | Kurdistan proper.
(a) After the village of Serab.
(b) Mountains.
(c) A Kurdish product, named after a city.
(d) More commonly called Sarakhs, after the city by that name,
which is situated on the border line between Persia and
Turkestan and within a few miles of Afghanistan. They
are so called because the people who make them for-
merly came from this district.
(e) A corruption of the Persian word " roules," which means a
pearl.
(f) A province.
(g) A district. Joshaghan is the English way of spelling it
and Djoshaghan the French way of spelling it.
163
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
(h) A corruption of the word " Sarawan," the name of a district
in Persia just south of Feraghan. The name has no
connection whatever with the " Saraband Dance."
(i) Terms used for the different grades of rugs from the
Sultanabad district.
(j) Laristan is a province in the Kirman district just south of
Niris.
(k) Named after the city of Herat, which is not situated in
Khorasan at all, but is across the Persian border in
Afghanistan. They take this name for two reasons:
first, because they are woven by people who formerly
lived in Herat, but who, owing to political disturbances,
settled in Khorasan; and second, because they are mar-
keted at Herat.
■ Angora^ | Kir Shehr
Brousa.^ | Oushak
' Anatolian .
Turkish .
Konieh. .
■ Karaman
Konieh proper
Mujur
Ladik (a)
Yuruk (b)
Ak-Hlssar
Anatolian proper
Bergama
. Smyrna . Ghiordea
Kulah
Meles (c)
Makri
Smyrna proper
Kurdistan. | Mosul . . . | Mosul proper
(a) A corruption of the word " Laodicea."
(b) The word " Yuruk " means mountaineer.
(c) A corruption of the word " Milassa."
164
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
Cauca-
sian.,
Caucasia |
Trans-
. Caucasia
Daghestan
Baku
Daghestan proper
Derbend
Kabistan (a)
Tchetchen, Chichi, Tzitzi (b)
Baku proper
Shemakha, Souinak (c)
Kashmir (d)
Shirvan (e)
T^i- u ^t- if Genghis, Gania (0
Ehzabethpol|j^^^-^^^i^(^^J
L Erivan
Kazak (g)
(a) Should be Kubistan or Kuban, as they are made at Kuba.
(b) Named after a tribe of people who inhabit the mountains
north of Daghestan.
(c) A corruption of the word " Shemakha."
(d) Sometimes called Kashmir from the resemblance of the
under side to that of Cashmere shawls.
(e) A province.
(f) Named after a tribe of Turkomans who live in the vicinity of
Elizabethpol. Sometimes called Ganja, after the ancient
name of Elizabethpol.
(g) Named after a tribe of Nomads inhabiting the hills around
Lake Goktcha.
f Turkestan.
Turkestan or
Turkoman
Khiva Bokhara
Beshir Bokhara
Tekke Bokhara (a)
Yomud Bokhara (b)
Eastern Turkestan | ^jjf^^
. Russian Turkestan | Samarkand
BELUCfflSTAN I Beluchistan proper (c)
(a) Made by the Tekke-Turkomans who inhabit the plains to the
west of the Oxus.
165
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
(b) The name of a tribe of Turkomans who inhabit the western
end of Turkestan.
(c) Although these rugs are made in a region far distant from
Turkestan, they are so similar to the Turkoman class
that they are classified as such by several authorities.
Genghis, of the Caucasian class, being made by a tribe of
Turkomans in the Caucasus and resembling closely the
Turkoman productions, are classified as such by several
prominent writers.
\
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SARUK RUG
Size 6' 4' X 4'!'
FROM THE COLLECTION OF THE AUTHOR
Knot: Senna. Fourteen to the inch horizontallv and seventeen
to the inch vertically, making two hundred and thirty-eight to the
square inch.
The design is characteristic but the colors are unusual for a Saruk.
There is a central pole medallion within another medallion. The
predominating color of the former is an old rose with figures in light
and dark blue, white and yellow, especially the latter. The outside
medallion has an old ivory background and is strewn with beautiful
undulating \nnes covered with tiowers of various colors, those at one
end being principally in old rose while at the other end a rich red
seems to predominate. Each corner of the field outside of the me-
dallion has a rich blue background with scroll figures and large
flowers, differing considerably in color at the two ends. There are
four border strips, the outside one being of plain ivorj'. The main
border consists of alternate white and old rose floral forms connected
by a meandering line upon a dark blue background and on both
sides of this main border stripe is the reciprocal trefoil in red, blue
and white.
(See page 200)
THE PERSIAN CLASSIFICATION
AND DESCRIPTION
PERSIA
THE PERSIAN CLASSIFICATION
AND DESCRIPTION
From the earliest time to the present the Per-
sian has excelled all others in the designing of
flowers and in color decoration, therefore the
Persian textiles have always shown complex
floral designs and harmonious arrangement of
colors. Unlike the Turkish fabrics, they almost
invariably have a full straight fringe at each end
which is composed of loose warp threads.
In Persia both the Senna and the Ghiordes
knots are used, and the latter has been adopted
in some localities where the former alone was
once in vogue.
The weavers of Persia are usually composed
of women and children of both sexes. The latter,
however, do not take up the work at nearly so
early an age as they do in Asia Minor. In Persia
169
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
they seldom begin earlier than ten years of age,
while in Asia Minor thousands of little children
from four to six years of age may be seen work-
ing at the loom. The usual pay in Persia is
fifteen tomans ($0.91) a year for the first two
years of their apprenticeship. This amounts to
about $13.65 of our money. After the expiration
of two years they are paid at the rate of one
toman for every 30,000 stitches.
The Persian government has endeavored to
uphold the quality of its rugs in the face of
demoralizing influences, but alas, Persia too is get-
ting the commercial spirit and aniline dyes are
being smuggled into and secretly used all over
the country.
One correspondent in Teheran says, "Good
rugs are hard to get and are very expensive.
There are quantities of the commercial variety,
but those can be bought in London as cheap as in
Persia.*' During the recent revolution quite a
number of the palaces were sold out by their
owners at auction. At these sales the good rugs
were quickly picked up at fabulous prices by
European residents in Teheran.
There are no rug factories in Persia, but there
are several establishments owned by foreigners,
especially at Sultanabad and Tabriz, where the
170
INSPECTING RUGS AT ISPAHAN
PERSIAN VILLAGERS NEAR HAMADAN
THE NEW YOI^K
PUBLIC LIBRARY
Asrc?
tilde:--
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THE PERSIAN CLASSIFICATION
wool is dyed and given out to the weavers to take
home and weave according to the designs and
specifications furnished.
PERSIAN RUG PROVINCES
The following is a short description of the
various Persian provinces from which rugs come :
AzEEBijAN is the most northeastern province
of Persia. It includes a part of Ancient Armenia
and its present population consists mostly of
Turks, with some Armenians and Kurds. Tabriz
is the capital. Its present output of rugs is very
large.
Akdelan is the province just south of Azer-
bijan. Its inhabitants are mostly Kurds and its
capital is Kermanshah.
Ieak Ajemi is the largest province of Persia.
It practically occupies the centre of the country.
Its principal city is Teheran, which is the present
capital of Persia. Irak Ajemi has a larger output
of rugs than any other province of Persia.
Faksistan or Ears, as it is sometimes called,
lies in the southern part of Persia west of Kirman
and south of Irak Ajemi. Shiraz is its capital and
it produces a wool which is not excelled, if
equalled, by that of any other country in the
world.
171
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
Khoeasan is Persia's most southeastern prov-
ince and, next to Irak Ajemi, its largest one. It
is sometimes called ''The Land of the Sun," and
is inhabited by Arabs, Turkomans, Kurds, Afghans,
Baluches, and Jews. The western portion is a
desert. Meshed is the capital. It is one of the
last of the Persian provinces to be affected by
outside influences.
KiEMAN is the most southerly province of
Persia and the least known. Being so difficult of
access, it is seldom visited by the traveller; con-
sequently its products are free from outside influ-
ence. It has for its capital the city of the same
name.
A complete description of each rug of the
Persian class is given in the following pages.
HEREZ CARPET
FROM THE COLLECTION OF MR. A. U. DILLEY
THE PERSIAN CLASSIFICATION
HEREZ
A name applied to all carpets made in the moun-
tainous district of Herez and to some from Tabriz
and Sultanabad. The different products of this
class are so similar in many respects that it is
often difiQcult and sometimes impossible for the
expert to differentiate. There is a great preva-
lence of Mongolian influence in their designs.
Until quite recently the Herez district was one of
the few districts from which the modern rugs
were a decided improvement on the antique, but
they have deteriorated considerably of late. They
are marketed at Tabriz.
THE EXAAIPLE ILLUSTRATED
In exception to most « of the Herez weaves this piece has no
medallion centre with corner pieces to match, but the style of
the floral motifs which fill the field is somewhat characteristic
of the region in Northern Persia where it is made. The Herez
products are extremely serviceable.
BAKHSHIS
Why So Named. — After the village by that
name in the Herez district where they are made.
Knot. — Usually the Senna, sometimes the
Ghiordes. Number vertically six to fifteen; num-
ber horizontally five to twelve; number to the
square inch thirty to one hundred eighty.
173
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
Wakp. — Always cotton.
Woof. — Always cotton, sometimes dyed brown.
Nap. — Usually a good quality of wool, trimmed
short, but rarely lustrous.
Sides. — Nearly always overcast with different
colored yarns. Occasionally finished flat.
Ends. — Short fringe with loose warp threads
at each end ; occasionally they are knotted.
Border. — Usually consists of two narrow and
one wide central stripe. The latter frequently
carries the Herati design.
Prevailing Colors. — Different shades of red,
blue, and green. Also ivory, white, brown, old
rose, and sometimes yellow.
Dyes. — As a rule are good. Aniline dyes are
found in many of the very new pieces.
Designs. — Usually the medallion centre with
or without corners to match. Characteristic
angular ornamentation. Shah Abbas, Herati, and
Sardar designs frequently used.
Cost.* — From $1.00 to $2.50 a square foot.
Sizes. — Six to ten by ten to twenty-six feet.
Seldom in small sizes.
* The retail prices given in this book with the description
of each rug refer only to the different grades of such pieces
which are ordinarily found in the market and in no way allude
to antiques, upon which it would be impossible to set a fixed
value.
174
GOREVAX CARPET
LOANED BY H. B. CLAFLIK & CO.
THE PERSIAN CLASSIFICATION
Remabks. — Rather rare compared with the
rest of the Herez products. Among the most
desirable of the large carpets. Until very recently
they have been perfectly free from outside
influences.
GOREVAN
Synonyms. — Goerivan, Ghorevan.
Why So Named. — After a small village in the
Herez district.
Where Made. — Throughout the Herez district.
Knot. — Usually the Senna, occasionally the
Ghiordes. Number vertically from eight to fif-
teen; number horizontally from six to twelve;
number to the square inch forty-eight to one
hundred eighty.
Waep. — Always cotton.
Woof. — Always cotton, sometimes dyed brown.
Nap. — A rather coarse wool, clipped short.
Sides. — Usually overcast, as a rule with differ-
ent colored wool, seldom selvaged.
Ends. — Always a short fringe with loose warp
threads at each end. Occasionally they are
knotted.
Border. — From three to five border stripes,
generally three, one wide central stripe with a
narrow one on each side. The central stripe fre-
quently carries the Herati design.
175
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
Pbevailing Colobs. — Blue, red, and green in
all their shades ; brown, old ivory, terra cotta, and
occasionally yellow.
Dyes. — Of the best excepting in some of the
new pieces.
Designs. — Similar to those of the Bakhshis. A
shaded background is a characteristic feature.
Cost. — From $1.25 to $3.50 a square foot.
Sizes. — Six to ten by ten to twenty-six. Seldom
smaller than carpet sizes.
Eemarks. — Excellent carpets to wear.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
Like most rugs of its class its field presents a medallion
with corners to match, all of which is covered with rectilineal
flowers and vines. Like most of the Herez products its main
border carries the tortoise design.
SERAPI
Synonyms. — Serab, Serabi, Sirab.
Why So Named. — After the village of Serab
in the Herez district.
Wheee Made. — Sometimes in the Herez dis-
trict, sometimes on the looms of Tabriz and some-
times on those of Sultanabad.
Knot. — Usually the Senna, occasionally the
Ghiordes. The finest ones are tied with the
Senna knot. Number vertically ten to eighteen;
176
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me of the
V
SERAPI RUG
BV COURTESY OF HARDWICK & MAGEE COMPANY, PHILADELPHIA
An elaborate rendition of this well-known class of Persian
rugs. A medallion or central figure of unusual magnificence sur-
rounded by an elaborate vine or floral pattern naturall}- claims fii'st
attention. The e\e will linger longer, however, over the beautifully-
fashioned border.
The artist in designing the rug evidently had in mind a centra'
jewel from which hght sparkles in all directions — how clearly the con-
ception was carried out a studj^ of the rug reveals.
Wirv So : b
THE PERSIAN CLASSIFICATION
number horizontally eight to twelve ; making from
eighty to two hundred sixteen to the square inch.
Wakp. — Always cotton.
Woof. — Always cotton, sometimes dyed.
Nap. — Eather coarse but durable wool, which
is generally clipped short.
Sides. — Nearly always overcast, seldom sel-
vaged.
Ends. — Short fringe and loose warp threads
at each end. Occasionally knotted.
Border. — Similar to that of the Bakhshis and
Gorevan. From three to five border stripes, most
usually three.
Prevailing Colors. — Similar to those of the
Bakhshis and Gorevan but, as a rule, somewhat
brighter.
Dyes. — Usually excellent.
Designs. — Similar to those of the Gorevan, but
there are usually more floral elements added to
the ground. Frequent inscriptions.
Sizes. — Eight to fifteen by ten to twenty-five.
Very few runners and seldom smaller than carpet
sizes.
Prices. — $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot.
Remarks. — The best grade of the Herez prod-
ucts. Usually of a finer weave and with more
detail in design than the Gorevan.
12 177
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
It is rather difficult to distinguish between the Serapi and
the Gorevan. The principal difference is one of quality, although
the former usually has more detail in design and usually more
floral elements added to the ground.
This carpet presents a peculiar medallion with four pear-
shaped offshoots upon a light ground which is strewn with
many rectilineal flowers and leaves. Like nearly all of the
Herez products it has three border stripes, one wide one with
a narrow one on each side. The former carries the tortoise
border design with an arrangement similar to the Herati border
design and the latter small flowers in profile alternating with
buds.
KARA DAGH
Why So Named. — The words ''Kara Dagh"
mean Black Mountains, tlie name of a range in
the northern part of the Azerbijan province,
where they are woven by shepherd tribes of the
most bigoted Shiah sect.
Knot. — Ghiordes. Number vertically eight to
fourteen; number horizontally eight to eleven;
number to square inch sixty-four to one hundred
fifty-four.
Wakp. — Wool.
Woof. — Natural brown or dyed wool. Usually
extra woof threads.
Nap. — Wool of medium length, sometimes
camels' hair.
Sides. — Usually selvaged, occasionally over-
cast.
178
SERAPI CARPET
LOANED BY H. B. CLAFLIN 4 CO.
THE PERSIAN CLASSIFICATION
Ends. — One end selvaged and turned back, the
other selvaged and finished with a fringe of loose
warp threads. The selvage is usually dyed red.
Border. — Usually from three to six border
stripes of more or less floral character.
Prevailing Colors. — Similar to those of the
Karabagh, but more diversified. The ground
contains considerable natural-colored camels'
hair.
Dyes. — Usually good. Occasionally an aniline
dyed one.
Designs. — More of the Persian character than
the Karabaghs, resembling somewhat the rugs of
Kurdistan. The field is usually covered with
small floral forms, which are thrown broadcast.
Prices. — From $2.00 to $3.00 per square foot.
Sizes. — From three to four by five to seven
feet. Eunners two and one-half by eight to fifteen.
Remarks. — Seldom seen in the American
market. They have kept pretty well up to their
original standard. In many respects they are
similar to the Karabagh, to which they are some-
what superior.
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
KASHAN
"Why So Named. — After Kashan, a city of
30,000 inhabitants between Teheran and Ispahan,
where they are made. Kashan is the centre of the
silk rug industry in Persia and it was here that
the famous Ardebil carpet was woven.
Knot. — Ghiordes. Number vertically twelve to
thirty-five; number horizontally ten to twenty;
number to square inch one hundred fifty to five
hundred.
"Warp. — Cotton, frequently silk or linen.
Woof. — Cotton, frequently silk or linen.
Nap. — Fine short wool, frequently silk.
Weave. — As a rule very evenly and tightly
woven.
Sides. — Overcast with wool, sometimes with
silk.
Ends. — Short web with loose warp threads at
each end.
Border. — From three to seven border stripes.
Prevailing Colors. — Dark blues, reds, and
greens; rose, turquoise, deep wine color, and
ivory.
Dyes. — Good.
Designs. — Similar to those of the Saruk.
Exclusively floral with many connecting vines;
medallions ; no plain fields.
180
KASHAN SILK RUG
FROM THE COLLECTION OF MR. A. U. DILLET
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
Asror>, L--
A N D
TILUEN i'--:^;3N"-.'A.IONS
THE PERSIAN CLASSIFICATION
Sizes. — Only carpet sizes.
Prices.— From $2.00 to $10.00 a square foot.
Remarks. — Among the antique Kashans are a
number of old ''Hunting Carpets " with elaborate
detail work showing in their design forests with
hunters and dogs pursuing animals of the chase.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
The Kashan silk rugs are as a class the best silk rugs made
and this particular one illustrates the best Persian spirit in
design and workmanship. Although not as finely woven as some,
it has four hundred and eighty-four knots to the square inch
and it is made exclusively of the best Persian silk.
SOUJ BULAK
Why So Named. — After Souj Bulak, the old
Kurdish capital some distance south of Tabriz,
where they are made by the Kurds.
Knot. — Ghiordes. Number vertically six to
eight; number horizontally eight to eleven; num-
ber to square inch forty-eight to eighty-eight.
Warp. — Double yarn of wool. Sometimes half
cotton and half wool.
Woof. — Double yarn of wool. Sometimes of
wool and cotton.
Nap. — Best, soft, double-stranded wool.
Weave. — Closely and tightly woven, making
the nap stand up straight.
181
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
Sides. — Overcast like other Kurdish rugs.
Ends. — One end has plain selvage, the other
selvage and loose warp threads like most Kurdish
rugs.
Boeder. — From two to five border stripes.
Pkevailing Colors. — Dark reds, blues, and
browns ; also white and yellow.
Dyes. — Good.
Designs. — Kurdish designs as a rule. The
Herati pattern is frequently employed.
Sizes. — Carpet sizes.
Prices. — Rather rare. From $2.00 to $5.00
per square foot.
Remarks. — Very compact, strong and service-
able.
TABRIZ
Why So Named. — After the city of Tabriz, the
Persian capital, in the neighborhood of which they
are made.
Knot. — Nearly always the Senna, occasionally
Ghiordes. Number vertically twelve to twenty-
two ; number horizontally ten to twenty ; number
to square inch one hundred twenty to four
hundred forty.
"Warp. — Nearly always cotton. Silk in some
extra fine specimens. Occasionally linen.
182
TABRIZ RUG
LOANED BY H. B. CLAFLIN * CO.
THE iN:.
n YORK
PUP'
ARY
ASrO!»>, L
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x.
THE PERSIAN CLASSIFICATION
Woof. — Cotton, sometimes wool or linen.
Formerly dyed the predominating color of the
rug, but of late not dyed at all.
Nap. — Good wool, closely woven and closely
trimmed.
Sides. — The antiques are usually overcast,
while the moderns are generally selvaged.
Ends. — Narrow web with loose warp threads
at each end. Occasionally trimmed. Frequently
several strands of colored wool run through the
web.
Border. — Generally five to eight border
stripes; one wide one with an equal number of
narrow ones on either side of it.
Prevailing Colors. — Bright blues, reds, and
browns; ivory is frequently the predominating
color of the field.
Dyes. — Usually good. Some of the modern
pieces have aniline dyes. The blues, reds, and
browns are especially likely to be aniline.
Designs. — Nearly always a medallion with
field covered with intricate floral designs. Fre-
quently verses from the Koran or of Persian
poets are found in the borders. Tree of life
patterns are frequent and a heart-shaped lamp
often hangs from the niche in the prayer
183
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
rugs. Seldom are figures of birds, animals, or
hmnan beings used.
Sizes. — All sizes, from mats to large carpets.
Cost.— From $3.00 to $10.00 per square foot.
Remarks. — The modern ones are too regular
and exact in pattern and show European influ-
ences. They are so firm and closely woven that
they are stiff and non-flexible.
With the Kirman the Tabriz shares the repu-
tation of ha^ang the most graceful floral designs.
They are purely Persian and have suffered little
from outside influence. Many of them are so
closely woven that they are apt to curl on the
edges.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
This particular piece is a good example of the average
design with its floral medallion and many border stripes.
THE PERSIAN CLASSIFICATION
BIJAR
Synonyms. — Sarakhs, Lule.
Why So Named. — ^After a town in "Western
Persia in the province of Kurdistan. Sometimes
called Sarakhs because they are made by tribes-
men who came from the old city by that name and
settled around Bijar.
Knot. — Ghiordes. Number vertically six to
ten ; number horizontally eight to twelve ; number
to the square inch forty-eight to one hundred
twenty.
Waep. — Heavy wool.
Woof. — Heavy wool, occasionally camels * hair.
Nap. — Heavy lustrous wool. The field is often
of camels ' hair.
Sides. — Overcast.
Ends. — Selvaged, sometimes a fringe woven
on. The web of one end is frequently turned back
and hemmed.
Border. — Usually from two to four border
stripes.
Prevailing Colors. — Field frequently the
natural color of the camel. Eich reds, blues, and
greens ; also white, old ivory, and yellow.
Dyes. — Usually good except in some of the
modern pieces.
Designs. — Generally floral, often medallion
centre with elaborate corner pieces. Inscriptions
185
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
frequent. Patterns irregular. Modern ones
inclined to be rectilinear. Antiques frequently
have figures of birds, animals, and human beings.
Cost. — $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot.
Sizes. — Modern ones in carpet size; antiques
three to five by five to eight.
Remarks. — The antiques are very rare and the
modern ones are much inferior. Many of them
are so thick and heavy that they cannot be folded
but must be rolled up.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
Maj. L. B. Lawton's Desceiption. — A complete rug in rare
design. Usually such rarities are cut up so as to show the
breaks in pattern, and fortunate collectors get one fraction.
The soft colors in this are unusual even in Bijar.
See also illustration on page 328.
KERMANSHAH (MODERN) '
Why So Named. — After the city of Kerman-
shah from which they are shipped, it being a great
caravan centre.
Where Made. — In the vicinity of Tabriz and
of Sultanabad.
Knot. — Nearly always the Senna, seldom the
Ghiordes. Number vertically eight to sixteen;
number horizontally eight to twelve; number to
the square inch sixty-four to one hundred ninety-
two.
186
t I II III "iiimii wnn inwi
BIJAR RUG
Size3'9"X2'9"
PROPERTY OF MISS EMJLY DAVIS, BUFFALO, N Y.
THE
.KY
ASror, LF.NOX AND
TILDES >-0l3NO\TiaNS
THE PERSIAN CLASSIFICATION
Waep. — Always cotton.
Woof. — Always cotton, occasionally dyed
brown.
Nap. — The choicest, lustrous wool, closely
woven and usually cut short.
Ends. — Narrow web with loose warp threads
at each end.
Sides. — Overcast with dark wool.
BoRDEKS. — From three to five border stripes,
most frequently five, one wide with two narrow
ones on each side.
Prevailing Colors. — Soft shades of pinks,
greens, or blues on a field of old ivory.
Dyes. — In many the dyes are good, but are
toned down with acids, while in others anilines
are used.
Designs. — Delicate, artistic and intricate floral
designs. Central medallion and corner panels
frequent.
Sizes. — All sizes, from mats to carpets as large
as thirty-five to fifty-five feet.
Cost. — $1.75 to $6.00 per square foot.
Eemarks. — There is as much difference be-
tween the modern and the antique Kermanshahs
as there is between any two kinds of the Persian
class. The former are made at Tabriz or Sul-
tanabad under European supervision, are almost
187
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
invariably doctored and can be had in abundance,
while the latter were made by the mountaineers
along the Turkish border, are of the best material,
dyes and workmanship and are rarely seen in
the market.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTHATED
Like most of its class it consists of artistic and intricate
floral designs with a central medallion and graceful border
stripes. In many Kermanshahs, as in this piece, the pear motif
is frequently employed. See illustration at page 118.
SENNA
Synonyms. — Sehna, Sinne, Senneh.
Why So Named. — After the city of Senna in
the vicinity of which they are made.
Knot. — Senna always. Not equalled in num-
ber of knots by any other rug. Number vertically
ten to thirty; number horizontally ten to thirty-
two; number to the square inch one hundred to
nine hundred sixty. Some antiques have as high
as one thousand to the square inch.
Wakp. — Cotton, sometimes silk or linen.
Woof. — Cotton, sometimes wool, silk or linen.
Nap. — Finest silky wool, very closely cut.
Sides. — Overcast with red cotton or silk.
Ends. — Always a narrow web at each end,
with a fringe of loose warp threads. Frequently
one or two strands of colored yarn run through
the web at one end.
188
SENNA RUG
(HERATI DESIGN)
OWNED BY H. B. CLAFLIN & CO.
THE NT/A' YORK
TILOF.N' >■"
L-i
L
THE PERSIAN CLASSIFICATION
Boeder. — ^From two to seven border stripes,
most frequently three, a wide one with a narrow
one on either side, the former usually filled with
rosettes which are connected by a wavy line.
Sometimes it will carry the Herati design. The
ground color of the main stripe is almost invaria-
bly bright red or yellow.
Prevailing Colors. — Usually subdued shades
of red, blue, green, yellow, and pink; ivory, gold,
sapphire, rose, and peach blow beautifully
blended. The modern ones are too bright.
Dyes. — Many of the modern ones are aniline
dyed.
Designs. — Palm leaf throughout the field is a
common design. Also a central diamond or
medallion frequently of the pole variety. Some-
times centre field is covered with flowers. A
diaper arrangement of the Pear or Herati design
is the most common.
Sizes. — Usually of medium size, four to five
by six to eight ; seldom larger. Saddle bags two
and one-half to three by four feet ; mats two feet
by one foot.
Cost.— From $2.00 to $6.00 a square foot.
Remarks. — Excel in fineness of weave, but
edges are likely to curl and pucker, consequently
they do not lie well and are too thin to wear well.
189
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
Like this piece most of the Sennas present the serrated
diamond-shaped pole medallion with the Herati design. They
frequently have the Herati border also, though this piece has not.
FERAGHAN
Synonym. — Sometimes erroneously called
Iran, which means Persian.
Why So Named. — Because they are made on
the plains of Feraghan, west of the line of travel
between Teheran and Ispahan.
Knot. — All antiques are tied with the Senna
knot. Some of the modern ones are tied with the
Ghiordes knot. Number vertically, antiques eight
to fourteen, moderns six to fourteen; number
horizontally, antiques eight to eighteen, moderns
five to twelve; number to square inch, antiques
sixty-four to two hundred fifty-two, moderns
thirty to one hundred sixty-eight.
Waep. — Always cotton.
Woof. — Nearly always cotton, sometimes dyed.
Nap. — Usually of good wool, frequently of
camels' hair.
Sides. — Overcast, usually with black wool.
Ends. — Narrow selvage hemmed over at one
end, with a selvage and loose warp threads at the
other end.
190
FERAGHAN RUG
(HERATI DESIGN)
PROPERTY OF THE TIFFANY STUDIOS, NEW YORK CITY
TH
ASrOK, LENOX AND
TILDEN1'-:^13NDXT10NS
L
THE PERSIAN CLASSIFICATION
Boeder. — From three to nine border stripes,
which usually carry small floral designs. Herati
border is the most common and is almost char-
acteristic. Usually one wide border stripe with
a background of green and from one to four
narrow border stripes on each side of it.
Peevailing Coloes. — Green usually forms the
background of the main border. The field is
usually dark blue, soft red or ivory. Yellow is
used considerably in the modern ones.
Dyes. — Splendid in the antiques. Of inferior
quality in the moderns.
Designs. — Herati field the most common. Occa-
sionally the Guli Hinnai is employed. Sometimes
a centre of plain red medallions. There may be a
repetition of some small figures throughout the
field. All animal and bird designs in the Fera-
ghans are represented as in motion.
Sizes. — Usually small sizes, three to four by
four to six. Occasionally carpet sizes. Antiques
mostly oblong.
Prices. — Antiques $2.50 to $10.00 per square
foot. Moderns $1.00 to $2.50.
Eemaeks. — They rank among the best fabrics
of Persia, but of late years have fallen to the job-
lot level. The antiques are soft, durable and
heavy, but are scarce.
101
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
Owner's Description. — The typical Feraghan rendering of the
Herati pattern is here illustrated in which the dark blue field and
green main border carry the Persian variant of the Herati design,
which is popularly known as the "fish pattern," and which is copied
with more or less accuracy all through central Persia.
HoMMEL Rug (page 114). — Knot: Ghiordes; number to the
inch, vertically nine; horizontally seven; to the square inch, sixty-
three.
The field, like that of the majority of Feraghans, is covered
with the Herati design. The background is of black and the
figures are red, blue, green, pink, yellow and white.
The main border stripe carries eight-petaled flowers of
various colors, connected by the fish-bone motif upon a ground
of white. On either side of this is a flower and vine design in
various colors, the inner one on a ground of old rose and the
outer one on a ground of dark brown. The inner and outer
border stripes carry the reciprocal saw-teeth; the former in
blue and red and the latter in green and red.
The nap is about three-quarters of an inch in length and
is exceedingly glossy.
HAMAD AN
Synonyms. — Hamadieh, Hamadie.
Why So Named. — After the city of Hamadan,
in the vicinity of which they are made. Hamadan
is the capital of the province of Irak Ajemi in
western Persia and has a population of 35,000.
Knot. — Ghiordes. Number vertically seven to
ten ; number horizontally seven to ten ; number to
square inch forty-nine to one hundred.
Warp. — Antiques always cotton.
Woof. — ^Usually considerable camels' hair in
natural color. Cotton or wool.
192
HAMADAN RUG
PROPERTY OF MR. A. U. DILLEY
! 'nil •.'
ox ANB
JTlLUENt-UNOATlONS
Li
THE PERSIAN CLASSIFICATION
Nap. — Usually good wool or camels' hair of
medium length.
Weave. — Antiques fine. Modems coarse.
Sides. — Overcast.
Ends. — Fringe at one end and hemmed web at
the other.
Boeder. — Three to six border stripes, usually
four. The characteristic feature is a broad out-
side band of camels' hair. The Herati border
design is frequently used.
Prevailing Colors. — The natural camels' hair
brown prevails with soft delicate reds, pinks,
blues, and greens.
Dyes. — Of the best in the antiques, but gen-
erally poor in the modern fabrics.
Designs. — Pole medallion is almost universal.
Field is usually filled with floral designs or a trellis
arrangement. Antiques resemble animal skins.
Sizes. — Antiques come in all sizes. Moderns
two to four by four to six and runners two to four
by eight to thirty.
Prices. — $1.00 to $3.00 per square foot. An-
tiques rare and expensive.
Remarks. — The modern ones are poor. The
antiques are handsome and durable.
THE EXAMPLES ILLUSTRATED
This piece, like most of its class, has a nap which consists
principally of natural-colored camels' hair, as is manifested in
13 193
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
the central field and outer border. Like most Hamadans it
also has a pole medallion in the centre of the field with corners
to match. The weaver has adopted the Kurdish method of
shading the field with camels' hair of different shades. The
principal border stripe consists of alternate rosette and fish-
bone motifs on each side of which there are small floral forms
alternating in direction and connected by meandering vines.
Stanton Rug (page 110). — Like most of its class, this piece
has a pile which consists mostly of undyed camels' hair. The
colors, designs and border stripes are characteristic features,
especially the motives in the outer border stripe, which are
found in no other product. This piece has an unusually long
nap, which not only adds to its wearing quality, but makes
it lie better on the floor.
ISPAHAN
Synonym. — Isfavan. Sometimes, like the
Feraglian, it is called Iran.
Why So Named. — After the city of Ispahan,
the former capital of Persia, where they were made
by expert weavers in the employ of the nobility
at Ispahan, Teheran, and Saruk during the period
of highest art.
Knot. — Senna. Number vertically ten to
twenty; number horizontally eight to fifteen;
number to the square inch eighty to three hundred.
Waep. — Cotton.
Woof. — Cotton.
Nap. — Best, soft, glossy wool.
Weave. — Usually close and even.
Sides. — Overcast.
Ends. — Narrow web with loose warp ends.
Boeder. — From three to five border stripes,
194
loPAtlAX RUG
(SHAH ABBAS DESIGN)
BY COURTESY OF THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF NEW YORK CITY
ASrOK, L?-N>^^ AND
T1LDEN''1'''"''N0AT10NS
n ^
THE PERSIAN CLASSIFICATION
usually three, one wide one between two narrow
ones. The wide stripe is commonly of yellow,
wine red, and green, especially in those made in
the 16th century. The Herati design was fre-
quently employed.
Peevailing Colors. — Deep reds, blues, and
greens. Beautiful crimson. Deep wine colors
known as Ispahan red. Field generally of deep
red or blue.
Dyes. — The best.
Designs. — Very artistic. Rich in floral and
animal decoration of the finest Persian type.
Large palmette and rich floral patterns connected
by vines and serrated leaves arranged similarly to
the Herati pattern. Cypress cones and various
tree forms. The Shah Abbas design was freely
employed.
Sizes. — Generally long and narrow (runners).
Seldom small.
Prices. — The antiques bring fabulous prices.
Fragments have sold in recent years for $300 to
$1000, and many carpets have brought from
$15,000 to $25,000.
Remarks. — Extremely rare. Almost impos-
sible to secure a genuine specimen. The Saruks
are the Ispahans of the present day. The antiques
are examples of the most perfect weaving skill.
Many of the so-called Ispahans of the 16th and
17th centuries were really productions of Herat.
195
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
In this choice old piece of the sixteenth century the Shah
Abbas design, one of the most beautiful of all ancient designs,
is used freely in the field and in the main border stripe. The
fir tree and the cloud band are also freely employed in the
field, the latter showing the Mongolian influence which was quite
prominent in many of the fifteenth and sixteenth century pieces.
JOSHAGHAN
Synonyms. — Djosliaglian, Djushaghan, You-
raglian.
Why So Named. — After the Persian village and
the district of Josliagban, where they are made.
Knot. — Grhiordes. Number vertically eight to
twenty; number horizontally eight to twenty;
number to square inch sixty-four to four hundred.
Waep. — Wool.
Woof. — Wool.
Nap. — Fine wool of medium length.
Sides. — Overcast.
Ends. — A thin narrow web with loose warp
threads at each end.
Boeder. — Usually three border stripes, one
wide with a narrow one on either side. The wider
stripe generally has for the ground color a lighter
tone of the same color which predominates in the
field.
Prevailing Colors. — Soft-toned colors similar
to those of the Hamadan. Ground is usually red.
196
.•:siii ' u ii;j j"'\}'X:
I0 -rrnoo "rtt
j;iiiv'i5>Hiti; -Toio
>Oir OF OI \T. Rl
the nxte«nth century th«" Shah
utiful ' as,
Jider stfjpe. The
d in the
i, You-
FERAGHAN RUG ^ ^^ -.
BT COURTESY OF HARDWICK & MAGEE COMPANY, PHILADELPHIA
The " Pearl of Persia ' ' is pictured for us in this creation of the f r-
weaver's art. Esteemed bj- the native above all others, this particular
specimen contains unusual interest for the connoisseur by reason of .
its close adherence to tj^je. ' ,
web with, loose warp
'■r nVi
o i ' > J,
c ::^aii ■ -- • ,^ i^^.
g.vTlONS
L
THE PERSIAN CLASSIFICATION
Dyes. — Splendid in the antiques.
Designs. — Generally a sort of scroll carried
throughout the margin of the field and forming
medallions. A common design is a series of
crosses with angular ends and adorned with floral
figures ; also the eight-pointed star between every
four crosses arranged into a lattice. There are
usually many four- and six-petaled roses.
Sizes. — Usually large, seven to nine by ten to
fourteen.
Peices. — $2.00 to $5.00 per square foot.
Eemarks. — Antiques excellent. Among the best
Persian carpets. They resemble somewhat the
Saraband. Not very common in the United States.
SARABAND
Synonyms. — Serebend, Sarawan. The finest
ones are sometimes called Mir Saraband and the
coarsest ones are frequently called Selvile.
Why So Named. — A corruption of the word
Sarawan, which is the name of a mountainous
district south of Feraghan, where they are made.
Knot. — Antiques are always tied with the
Senna knot. Some of the modern ones are tied
with the Ghiordes knot. Number vertically seven
to fourteen ; number horizontally eight to twelve ;
number to square inch fifty-six to one hundred
eighty-eight.
Waep. — Always cotton.
197
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
Woof. — Always cotton, sometimes dyed. All
good Mir Sarabands have a blue woof thread.
Nap. — Usually even, short cut, silky wool.
Sides. — Overcast, usually with a dark red wool.
Ends. — One end usually has a narrow web and
short fringe of loose warp threads, while the
other is generally a narrow web which is fre-
quently turned over and hemmed. Frequently
several strands of colored wool run through the
web, as in the Kurdish productions.
Border. — Usually from four to twelve border
stripes, the principal one of which is from three
to four inches wide with an ivory white back-
ground and a vine design running through it, at
each turn of which is a leaf similar in shape to
that in the Herati pattern. The vine design is
nearly always present and characterizes the Sara-
band border from all others. The smaller border
stripes are generally filled by various well-known
designs, such as the reciprocal trefoil, the barber-
pole stripe, the Greek meander, etc.
Prevailing Colors. — The field is generally of
a dark blue or a rich red. In antiques it is often of
a pink or rose shade. The main border stripe is
frequently of old ivory or red, while the other
border stripes vary, most of them as a rule being
the same color as that which predominates in the
field.
198
'■^.^^:.^^.h€mv
SARABAND RUG
Size3'4''X5'
PBOPEBTY OF MRS. THOMAS E. MATTHEWS, MT. CLEMENS, MICH.
THE PERSIAN CLASSIFICATION
Dyes. — As a rule are excellent. In the modern
products some of these colors are liable to be
aniline, especially the greens.
Designs. — The field is almost invariably cov-
ered with the pear design arranged in rows, the
stems of each successive row running in the oppo-
site direction. This is nearly always the case and
with the exception of the Shiraz it seems to dis-
tinguish the field from that of other rugs such as
the KJiorasan products, where the same design is
frequently used but where the stems usually run in
the same direction. The Mir Saraband sometimes
has a Herati centre.
Sizes. — Three to five by four to nine, three
to nine by twelve to twenty-four.
Pkices. — $2.00 to $6.00 per square foot.
Remaeks. — Sarabands are usually firm in text-
ure, lie well, never grow monotonous, and, on the
whole, are most satisfactory.
THE EXAIVIPLE ILLUSTHATED
This piece beautifully illustrates the most common Saraband
designs. The field is covered with rows of the pear motif upon
a background of rich dark red. The main border stripe carries
the characteristic Saraband border design upon a background of
old ivory. The woof is dyed light blue, which shows in the
webbing at each end.
199
62097B
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
SARUK
Synonyms. — Sarouk, Sarook.
Why So Named. — After Saruk, a small village
in the Feraghan district, from whence they come.
Knot. — Always the Senna and usually as
many to the square inch as any rug excepting the
Senna. Number vertically eight to twenty-two;
number horizontally six to twenty; number to
square inch forty-eight to four hundred forty.
Warp. — As a rule cotton, occasionally linen.
Woof. — As a rule cotton, occasionally linen.
Nap. — Fine silky wool cut short.
Weave. — Close and hard.
Sides. — Overcast with dark wool or silk. They
frequently curl on account of the tightness of the
weave.
Ends. — Narrow web and loose warp threads at
each end.
Boeder. — Three to five border stripes, usually
three. Generally the Herati border, occasion-
ally the modern form of the Shah Abbas border
design.
Prevailing Colors. — Usually dark seal browns,
greens, and reds. Generally a field of ivory, blue
or red.
Dyes. — Generally good except in some of the
modern pieces.
200
it to^iQJjjn-i bosilEiariffi
Sanik, a small viijage
as
^ the
MAHAL RUG
BY COURTESY OF HARDWICK & MAGEE COMPANY, PHILADELPHIA
- -' * -
An excellent example of tliis class of rugs known under the gen-
eral term of " Mahal" — Persian for " Made to Order." The coloring
is exceptionally good and the field (while it contains nothing of a y
striking or distinctive nature) is well covered. The border reveals
a wealth of detail not usually found in rugs from this busy com- UO
mercialiaed region of the Orient.
warp threads at
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THE PERSIAN CLASSIFICATION
Designs. — There is always a medallion. Flow-
ers freely introduced. Often queer-sliaped floral
figures.
Sizes. — Three to five by five to twenty feet.
Usually oblong.
Prices. — $2.50 to $6.00 per square foot.
Eemarks. — Sometimes called the ''Modern
Ispahan. ' '
THE EXAMPLES ILLUSTRATED
Two plates in color of Saruks are given — at pages 40 and 166,
\rith description accompanying each.
SULTANABAD
Synonyms. — Classed as Muskabad, Mahal
and Savalan, according to grade.
Why So Named. — Muskabad is named after
the village by that name and Savalan after a
range of mountains in the northern part of the
Sultanabad district, while Mahal is but a trade
name.
Where Made. — In the Sultanabad district,
which is the centre of rug weaving under Euro-
pean control.
Knot. — Generally the Ghiordes, sometimes the
Senna. Number vertically five to eight; number
horizontally six to fourteen; number to square
inch thirty to one hundred twelve.
Warp. — Cotton.
Woof. — Cotton.
201
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
Nap. — Good quality of wool, usually of medium
length.
Sides. — Overcast.
Ends. — Short web and loose warp threads of
medium length.
BoEDEE. — Usually three border stripes, one
wide one with a narrow one on either side. The
Herati border design is the most frequent.
Peevailing Coloes. — Bright reds, browns,
blues, pinks, and greens with white.
Dyes. — A large percentage are aniline dyed.
Designs. — Usually large scrolls and floral pat-
terns. The Herati design is quite common.
Sizes. — Carpet sizes only, eight to fifteen by
ten to twenty.
Peices. — From $1.00 to $3.00 a square foot,
Eemaeks. — Those with good dyes are quite
satisfactory, but at the present time most of the
products of Sultanabad are purely commercial
products.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
This piece most beautifully shows in its field the Guli Henna
design, which is so commonly employed in the Sultanabad products.
NIRIS
Synonyms. — Laristan, Luristan.
Why So Named. — After the salt lake Niris in
the province of Laristan, where they are made
by the hillmen who inhabit the uplands of that
section.
202
MAHAL CARPET
(GULI HENNA DESIGN)
LOANED BY MR. A. U. DILLEY
THE PERSIAN CLASSIFICATION
Knot. — Ghiordes. Number vertically eiglit to
twelve ; number horizontally five to eiglit ; number
to the square inch forty to ninety-six.
Warp. — Best stout wool.
Woof. — Best stout wool.
Nap. — Best wool of short or medium length.
Weave. — Not so closely woven as the best
Shiraz, which they very much resemble.
Sides. — Overcast.
Ends. — A checked selvage at each end with a
short fringe of warp, like the Shiraz.
Border. — Generally from three to five border
stripes, some of which are quite elaborate. The
barber-pole stripe is commonly used, but generally
consists of several colors instead of only two as
in the Caucasian fabrics.
Prevailing Colors. — Usually rather crude.
Madder red predominates.
Dyes. — As a rule good.
Designs. — The pear pattern is commonly em-
ployed and when used it suggests the crown jewel,
being an assemblage of points rather than of
lines and more minutely worked out than are the
smaller forms so common to the Saraband. No
regularity of design, but quite similar to the
Shiraz. Often a pronounced striped effect. Alter-
nating rows of geometrical and floral designs.
203
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
Peices. — From $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot.
Eemarks. — Strong and durable. Few reach
America. They seem more like products of
Turkestan than of Southern Persia.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
This particular design consisting of rows of pears with
stems of alternate rows turned in the opposite direction is
quite common in rugs of this class. The main border stripe
in this piece also consists of the pear motif on each side of
which is a barber-pole stripe.
SHIRAZ
Synonym. — Mecca, so called because they
were so frequently taken by the shriners to the
holy city of Mecca.
Why So Named. — After the city of Shiraz,
where they are made.
Knot. — Generally the Senna, sometimes the
Ghiordes. Number vertically seven to sixteen;
number horizontally six to twelve; number to
square inch forty-two to one hundred ninety-six.
Warp. — Generally liea\^' wool, sometimes
goats' hair in the moderns, and frequently more
than two woof threads between each row of knots.
Woof. — Always wool, frequently dyed.
Nap. — Lustrous, soft, short wool.
Weave. — Rather loosely woven as a rule.
Sides. — Overcast or braided with wool of two
204
NIRIS (LARI8TAN) RUG
PROPERTY OF MR. FREDERIC P. WARFIELD, NEW YORK CITT
THE PERSIAN CLASSIFICATION
or more colors. Little tassels of wool frequently
project from the overcasting on the sides.
Ends. — Web of medium width at each end
which is often dyed red, white, and blue, or a
plain red selvage with rows of colored yarns run-
ning through it.
BoKDEE. — From two to seven border stripes,
some of which frequently carry a vine to which
are attached oval-shaped flowers in alternate red
and blue. The barber-pole stripe is frequently
employed.
Peevailing Coloes. — Rich colors like wine,
autumn foliage, the plumage of birds, deep rich
blues, reds, yellows, greens ; usually dark blue field.
Dyes. — Good.
Designs. — Pole medallions almost universal.
Has as a rule more figures of birds and animals
than any other class of rugs. Pear pattern very
common. The centre field is frequently filled with
diagonal stripes. Flowers scattered throughout
the field.
Sizes. — Usually medium, four to five by six to
eight. Also carpet sizes. Saddle bags are very
common.
Peices. — $1.25 to $3.00 per square foot.
Remaeks. — They seldom lie well. They are
often crooked and puffed up. The Bergama is the
only other rug made with tassels along the sides.
205
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
THE EXAMPLES ILLUSTRATED
The field carries an unusual double arrangement of the pear
motif, alternating with small tree forms. The outside border
consists of small bird forms, each alternate row facing in the
opposite direction. Note the elaborate webbing at each end.
(See also page 104.) Prayer rugs of this class are exceedingly
rare, in fact they are seldom seen in this country. This one
is a gem, but has lost its principal Shiraz character in that the
sides have been reovercast with wool of one color instead of
with two or more colors, as it originally was. Another very
unusual feature is the absence of two of the border stripes on
the lower end. (See also color plate at page 52 and doubletone at
page 208.)
HERAT
Synonyms. — Herati, Heratee.
Why So Named. — Probably so named because
the Herati design, whicb is characteristic of the
rug, originated in the city of Herat.
By Whom Made. — It is also said that the
weavers of these rugs were originally from Herat.
Where Made. — In the province of Khorasan.
Knot. — Usually the Ghiordes. Number verti-
cally six to twelve; number horizontally eight to
twelve ; number to square inch forty-eight to one
hundred forty-four.
Waep. — Cotton. Silk in some of the antiques.
Woof. — Usually cotton, sometimes wool. As
a rule dyed brown.
Nap. — Soft, glossy wool of medium length.
Weave. — Very closely woven.
Sides. — Overcast.
206
SHIR„\Z RUG
Size3'6"X4'8"
PROPERTi' OF MR. J. H. STANTON, AUBURN, N. T.
THE PERSIAN CLASSIFICATION
Ends. — Narrow web with loose warp threads
at each end.
Border.— Usually from three to seven border
stripes. The Herati design is common. Green is
usually the background of the main border stripe.
Prevailing Colors. — Brilliant reds, greens,
blues, and yellows, also ivory. Often a purplish
pink cast.
Dyes. — Unsurpassed.
Designs. — Similar to those of the Feraghan.
Most always the Herati design, the leaves of which
are generally shaded on one side. Occasionally the
pear pattern with the stems all facing in one direc-
tion. Once in a while a medallion centre.
Sizes. — Seldom small. Medium sizes are most
common. Some runners and occasionally a saddle
bag.
Prices. — $2.00 to $5.00 per square foot.
Remarks. — Durable and heavy. Resemble
the Khorasan in most respects. Aiyin and Kayin
are names sometimes given to a coarse form of
Herat. Many of the Herats of the 16th and 17th
centuries are now erroneously called Ispahans.
KHORASAN
Why So Named. — After the most northeastern
province of Persia from which they come.
Knot. — Senna. Number vertically eight to
207
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
fifteen; number horizontally ten to twenty-five;
number to square inch eighty to three hundred
seventy-five.
Warp. — Always white cotton.
Woof. — Usually cotton, occasionally wool.
Nap. — Fine wool of varying lengths.
Weave. — Characteristic, there being four or
more rows of knots with no weft threads between,
then several weft threads, etc., giving a peculiar
look to the back of the rug and when it is bent
the knots are shown in groups.
Sides. — Usually overcast. Occasionally an
added selvage.
Ends. — Fringe of loose warp threads at each
end.
Boeder. — Usually from three to seven border
stripes, most frequently three, one wide one and
two narrow ones. Some have as many as sixteen.
The Herati border design is common.
Prevailing Colors. — Magenta is a prominent
color; reds, blues, greens, pinks, and white.
Usually a background of rich red, blue, or white.
Dyes. — Antiques all good. Modern pieces are
usually poor.
Designs. — Pear designs common. Animals
and birds frequently depicted. The Herati design
is the most frequently seen. Medallion centre
208 '
;r.. . /.: : .^i:?;; ^;:^cr-^-^^3i?S^^!^^«^?9?**^^^^
o< .&
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■: OF ORIENTAL RLGS
t Uich eighty to uiree hundred
n.
y wool.
1 of
Vv^nig four or
more rows ol 's between,
t} • -^veral wt- -^'"■iiliar
^ KHORASAX RUG
BY COURTESY OF HARDWICK * MAGEE COMPAXY. PHILADELPHIA
m
A good example of the freedom with which the Persian artists
liave called to their aid the myriads of plants, buds and blooms gem-
ming the hills and dales of a country renowned for its beautiful,
scenerj' and fertile lands. ' U
A cursory glance reveals the perfect balance of design and color
between the elaborate field and the exquisitely executed border
bands. Much admired by connoisseurs is the rose tinted ground
surroimding the central medallion — a shade, indeed, which even these
master colorists find dirticulty in approximating. ,,vi<ll' OTii' ai'.'J
two narrow ^ , ne have as manv n«; ^liytpen.
The Herat. - 'p'* design is common.
^BEVAiLiNu ',«_'ijORS. — Magenta is a prominent
color ; reds, blue? ens, pinks, and white.
a background ot rich red, 1 ■ r white.
o, — Ai 1. M - are
poor.
3. — Pear r mals
■.''V
>'it freni
m
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NO
3NS 1
THE PERSIAN CLASSIFICATION
with corners to match. Two small pears resting
their stems upon a larger one is a design also
commonly used. The field is often plain.
Sizes. — All sizes but mostly large, seven to
fifteen by ten to twenty-five feet.
Prices. — $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot.
Remarks. — Antiques durable, pliable, and soft.
Especially suitable for living rooms, libraries, and
halls. Modern ones are good in every respect
excepting the dyes.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
For description see tissue accompanying color plate at page 32.
MESHED
Synonyms. — Mashhed, Meshad.
Why So Named. — After Meshed, the capital of
Khorasan, where they are made.
Knot. — Usually the Senna, seldom the
Ghiordes. Number vertically nine to twenty;
number horizontally eight to twelve; number to
square inch seventy-two to two hundred forty.
Warp. — Nearly always cotton, seldom wool.
Woof. — Usually wool, frequently cotton.
Nap. — Soft, silky, even wool of varying
lengths.
Weave. — Characteristic with its uneven dis-
14 209
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
tribution of woof threads, even more so than in
the Khorasan proper.
Sides. — Overcast with wool.
Ends. — Short web with loose warp threads at
each end.
BoKDEK. — From three to seven border stripes.
The Herati design very common.
Peevailing Colors. — The antiques have soft,
subdued shades of blue, green, and pink, also
ivory, while the modern ones have rather bright
shades of the same colors.
Dyes. — In the antiques good. In the moderns
poor.
Designs. — Similar to those of the Khorasan
proper. The pear design jDredominates. The
Herati is common. Animals and birds are fre-
quently represented. Medallion centre common.
Sizes. — All sizes from three to ten by four to
twenty feet or even larger.
Prices. — $2.00 to $4.00 per square foot.
Remarks. — Similar in design to the Khorasan
proper, but usually of a finer grade. Also heavier
and more durable.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
A color plate of this beautiful rug may be seen on page 22.
Its description is given on the accompanying tissue.
210
KIRMAN PRAYER RUG
Size6'X4'
PROPERTY OF MRS. E. N. TRUMP, SYRACUSE, N. T.
THE PERSIAN CLASSIFICATION
KIRMAN
Synonym. — Kerman.
Why So Named. — After the province and city
of Kirman from which they come.
By Whom Made. — By the wandering tribes of
Afghars.
Knot. — Always Senna. Number vertically
ten to twenty-four; number horizontally eight to
twenty; number to square inch eighty to four
hundred eighty.
Warp. — Cotton always.
Woof. — Usually wool, frequently cotton.
Nap. — Fine silky and durable wool.
Weave. — Very fine and close.
Sides. — Overcast.
Ends. — Narrow web with fringe at each end.
BoEDEE. — Three to eight border stripes,
usually three, one wide one with a narrow one on
either side. Frequently there is a narrow strip
of plain rose color all around the outer edge.
Prevah,ing Colors. — Light, soft, delicate blue,
green, rose, old gold, and fawn.
Dyes of the best.
Designs. — Tree of life, birds, fruit, bouquets,
vases; more naturalistic and less geometrical
than any other Oriental rugs. Frequently a
medallion centre.
211
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
Sizes. — All sizes from mats to carpets.
Pbices. — From $2.00 to $5.00 per square foot.
Remaeks. — Genuine Kirmans are rather
scarce because of the remoteness of the district
from the centres of trade. They are not to be
compared with the Kermanshahs or the Turkish
Kirmans. The latter are coarse, modern, com-
mercial products. Kirman rugs are soft and
durable.
THE EXAMPLES ILLUSTRATED
Holmes Rug (page 212). — The field design, consisting of rows
of vases filled with red roses, is quite common to this class of rugs,
but the border is rather unusual, being a mixture of Persian
and Chinese motifs.
Tbump Rug (page 210). — A masterpiece both in workmanship
and design. In the prayer field is the Tree of Life resting in a
large urn. Note the medallion with Arabic inscriptions.
Kjeman Saddle Bag (page 326). — The field is filled with the
ordinary Kirman rendition of the rose. On one end of the
Ghileem part is a piece of leather put there by the proud owner
to prevent it from wearing by friction on the donkey's neck.
Underneath will be found the original girdle and buckle.
KURDISTAN PROPER
Why So Named. — After the country in which
they are made. A province occupying the eastern
part of Turkey in Asia and the western part of
Persia.
By Whom Made. — By the Nomadic tribes who
live in the mountains of Kurdistan.
212
KIRMAN RUG
PROPERTY OF MRS. C. B. HOLMES, WATERBURY, CONN,
THE PERSIAN CLASSIFICATION
Knot. — Always the Ghiordes. Number ver-
tically six to eight; number horizontally six to
ten; number to square inch thirty-six to eighty.
Warp. — Dark twisted wool or goats' hair.
Usually gray.
Woof. — As a rule wool, sometimes goats' or
camels' hair. Usually several woof threads be-
tween each row of knots.
Nap. — Usually good heavy gray wool which is
cut long ; sometimes goats ' hair, camels ' hair, or
kurk.
Weave. — Generally good, the knots being well
tied.
Sides. — Always overcast, frequently with dif-
ferent colored wools, most frequently brown.
Ends. — Usually a thick narrow selvage witn
knotted fringe or loose warp ends. Nearly always
one or two lines of colored wool run through the
selvage. This is a Kurdish characteristic and is
a distinguishing feature. Often the web of one
end is turned back and hemmed.
Boeder. — From two to nine border stripes,
usually from three to four, one wide one with one
or two narrow ones on each side. The main
border stripe usually carries designs in profile.
Prevailing Colors. — Usually dark rich reds,
greens, blues, yellows, pinks, and terra cotta,
213
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
beautifully varied. The shading of colors is also
a Kurdish characteristic.
Dyes. — Usually of the best. The Kurds have
clung to the old colors more than any of the other
rug-making people.
Designs. — Generally wild, irregular figures of
various sizes scattered carelessly and the inter-
vals filled with small indistinct figures. Lattice
designs with each division filled with floral forms.
The Herati and the pear designs are occasionally
used.
Sizes. — Seldom large. From four to five by
seven to eight feet and occasionally in carpet
sizes.
Prices.— Usually from $0.75 to $3.00 per
square foot. The prayer rugs are rare and expen-
sive.
Eemarks. — Freest of all from outside influ-
ences. Hard when new but most durable and
satisfactory. In fact it is the best moderate priced
rug now on the market.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
Owner's Description. — Upon a rich blue ground the Mina
Khani design is accurately wrought, and the five-petaled Henna
blossoms are symmetrically placed in their customary relation
to the dark red, blue and golden yellow floral rosette forms dis-
tributed over the field. Three rather narrow borders surround
the field, the middle one of which is yellow. The inner and outer
borders carry tawny colors and small patterns.
214
KURDISTAN RUG
(MINA KHAXI DESIGN)
PROPERTY OF THE TIFFANY STUDIOS, NEW YORK CITY
THE TURKISH CLASSIFICATION
£
It
'i;vj iij.il.
■t 1o.sf»{.n.t
t hnu 1 ;
d ;^diM
t". fijiw .-aiin Bult lo' isbifKiorti xjo a^xiii^e n^ddn Y/o-rrfifiafiT
KULAH HEARTH RUG
Size, 7'2''X4'4''
Owners' Description. — No rug of any type that has come
to our notice has had a color tone that was so subdued and mellow
as this rug.
The artist who conceived and created this masterpiece seems to
have woven into it a suggestion of his dreamy nature. He used
shades where others would have used colors and the result is a
beautiful study in browns.
The points at both ends of the field indicate its use as a hearth
rug or family rug. an heirloom about which one generation after an-
other gathered and told and retold the tales of their ancestors. It
is such rugs as this that were the sanctuary in that turbulent land;
strangers were far from safe, and especially members of some oi>-
posing tribe, but let them once gain access to the tent in which was
spread the hearth rug, and let them place foot upon it, and they be-
came at once the guest of not only the chief but his whole tribe,
and the entire tribe was pledged to their safe keeping until they had
been safely sped upon their way.
The narrow ribbon stripes on the border of this rug. with the
small floral conceits woven throughout them, are typical of the old
Kulahs.
(See page 239)
')] ii f^'
'-. r- ,s..r < .
■■r^
TUEKEY
THE TURKISH CLASSIFICATION
The term ** Turkey" includes all portions of
Asia Minor, the principal rug-weaving districts
of which are Anatolia and Kurdistan.
The annual importations of rugs into the
United States alone from Asia Minor amount to
from $2,500,000 to $3,000,000, most of which are
shipped directly from Constantinople. In many
parts of Asia Minor, especially in Oushak,
Smyrna, Ghiordes, Kulah, and Sivas, nearly every
home has a loom, some two or three, and in many
places factories have been established by Euro-
pean and American capitalists; the weavers are
almost all Armenian women and children, the
latter ranging from four to thirteen years of age.
Moslem women and children will not work in fac-
tories. As a rule these people earn barely enough
to clothe and feed themselves, but those who have
217
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
been able to lay by anything generally invest their
earnings in carpets, as people of other countries
often do in diamonds and precious stones, hand-
ing them down from generation to generation and
selling one when hard pressed for money, so that
the tourist is often surprised to find in the homes
a collection of very valuable rugs.
The Ghiordes knot is used exclusively and
both warp and woof are always of wool or goats*
hair. Fully four-fifths of the present output are
aniline dyed. The weave is coarser and the nap
longer than in the Persian class and many of
them are crooked.
The designs, which vary little, are more geo-
metrical than are those of the Caucasians. The
Turks never weave figures of birds, animals and
human beings, as their religion forbids it. Those
with a cross are always Armenian, as the Turks do
not decorate with the cross, while those with the
prayer niche are always Turkish, as the Arme-
nians never pray on their rugs. Green, the sacred
color of the Mohammedans, is seldom used except
in the prayer rugs or those designed for mosques.
Most of the large Turkish carpets are modern and
are made near Smyrna. Many of the modern fab-
rics bear no relation to antiques of the same name.
The southern part of Armenia is called Kur-
distan. It is inhabited by wandering, warlike
218
THE TURKISH CLASSIFICATION
tribes of Nomads, who pasture their flocks in the
southern plains in the winter and go to the moun-
tain districts in the summer time.
The Kurds possess the skill of shading their
colors, but this they have abandoned of late. They
also scatter small bits of color through a space
otherwise unoccupied. Red is their favorite color.
On the following pages is given a detailed de-
scription of the various Turkish rugs.
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
KIR SHEHR
Synonyms. — Kirit Shelir, Kirshebir, Kirsh-
cher.
Why So Named. — After a town of that name
m Turkey just southeast of Smyrna, where they
are made.
Knot. — Ghiordes. Number vertically seven to
twelve; number horizontally six to ten; number
to square inch forty-two to one hundred twenty.
Wakp. — Wool, dyed the predominating color
of the rug.
Woof. — ^Wool, dyed the predominating color
of the rug.
Nap. — Long, fluffy wool.
Sides. — Colored selvage, sometimes added.
Ends. — A colored web of various lengths at
each end, also a fringe of loose or braided warp
ends. Some of the smaller mats have on these
webs several parti-colored tufts composed of all
the different colored yarns which are used in the
body of the rug.
Boeder. — From five to eight border stripes,
most frequently five, the main stripe carrying
the most pretentious form of ornamentation.
Prevailing Colors. — Brilliant reds, blues, and
greens, especially the latter, of which there are
phenomenal shades skilfully blended.
220
KIR 8HEHR PRAYER RUG
PROPERTY OF E. B. GUILE, UTICA, N. Y.
THE N-3' YORK
PUBLIC liBRARY
SILOES r-NOATlON.
THE TURKISH CLASSIFICATION
Dyes. — As a rule splendid.
Designs. — Attempted Persian designs. Prayer
design with one cross panel at the bottom instead
of at the top as in the Kulah.
Sizes. — Medium sizes only, two and one-half
to four by four to six feet.
Peices. — From $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot.
Remarks. — They are very scarce in the United
States. They resemble the Bergama and are
thick and durable.
THE EXAMPLES ILLUSTRATED
Owner's Description. — Ghiordes knot, 7 horizontal by 10
vertical. An unusual specimen of Kir Shelir in prayer design,
marked by a radical departure from the accepted type of
prayer arch formation peculiar to this weave. The flatness of
the arch and the multiplicity of borders and stripes suggest
Kula influence. The outer border, on ivory, has a conven-
tionalized floral design, green, yellow and pale blue flower devices
on wa\'ing vine tracery. Two medium stripes in diflferent red
values enclose the second border, which carries the S device
in lavender and blue on black. The inner border displays the
carnation in blue, lavender and red on canary. The prayer
field is flat and non-serrate at top, border outlined in an ancient
Kir Shehr motif in red and ash white on light blue. About the
mihrab is an arrangement of carnations, while the top of arch
and on outer side of field are more pinks and a small shrub
device. The field is in shades of rose, the softened end result
of an original magenta, and carries three plateaus superposed,
each sustaining four trees: two bearing fruits outlined against
soft green foliage, and the other two, coniferae. Between each
outer pair of trees is a little temple. Above and below in the
221
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
field are curious devices evidently picturing some presumably
eacred edifice. This rug bears evidence of age and use, while
the chromatic ensemble is soft and refined. Technically, it has
a two strand yellow selvage; two red wool weft threads between
each row of knots, and a two strand cream wool warp. Both
ends are finished with a short, light brown web and plain,
long fringe.
SiEGEL Rug. — This piece is similar to one exhibited in
the Berlin museum under the name of Kir Shehr, although it
has some characteristics of other Anatolian products, such as
the Kulah, the Konieh and the Meles. Having only the photo-
graph to assist us in the classification, we are obliged to ac-
cept that of the Berlin connoisseur.
Stanton Rug (page 130). — The small border stripes in this
piece are Kulah in character, while the main stripe is found
more or less in all the Anatolian products, especially the
Ghiordes.
OUSHAK
Why So Named. — After the city of Oushak,
one of the greatest rug markets of Asia Minor, on
account of its railroad connection with the Medi-
terranean seaboard.
By Whom Made. — Mostly by Greek Moham-
medans who reside in the vicinity of Oushak.
Knot. — Ghiordes. Number vertically four to
eight; number horizontally four to ten; number
to square inch sixteen to eighty.
Warp. — Wool of the same grade as that in the
pile. It is generally dyed the predominating color
of the rug.
Woof. — Wool, same as that used for the warp
and pile, and it also is dyed.
222
KIR SHEHR HEARTH RUG
PKOPERTY OF MR. HENRY SIEGEL, BOSTON, MASS.
THE iNi:"'A' YORK
P!!P,1,IC 11
AsroK,
AND
TILDEN F013NOATION3
THE TURKISH CLASSIFICATION
Nap. — Good wool of varying lengths.
Weave. — Loosely woven.
Sides. — No rule.
Ends. — No rule ; most frequently a short green
or red web with loose warp threads.
Boeder. — No rule; usually three border
stripes, one wide one with a narrow one on each
side.
Prevailing Colors. — Usually bright reds,
greens, blues, browns, and yellows, with more or
less white.
Dyes. — Aniline mostly.
Designs. — No rule. Generally large medal-
lions and geometrical figures. Some are patterned
after the Persians and some after the Turkish
designs, but the great majority are European.
Sizes. — Mostly carpet sizes from ten to twenty-
five by fifteen to fifty feet. Usually nearly square.
Prices. — $0.75 to $2.00 per square foot.
Remarks. — There are several varieties which
in order of excellence are named Gulistan, Enile,
Kerman, Yaprak, and Sparta.
KARAMAN
Synonym. — Kaba Karaman.
Why So Named. — After the town of Karaman,
southeast of Konieh, where they are made by
223
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
Nomadic tribes of Turkoman descent. The word
*'Kaba" means coarse.
Knot. — Ghiordes. Number vertically four to
six ; number horizontally four to eight ; number to
square inch ten to forty-eight.
Wakp. — Coarse wool. Usually dyed red.
Woof. — Always coarse wool. Usually dyed
red.
Nap. — Of medium or long, coarse wool.
Weave. — Very loosely woven.
Sides. — Usually overcast, sometimes selvaged.
Ends. — No special rule. Frequently short web
with loose warp threads.
Border. — Usually from three to five border
stripes, one wide one with one or two narrow
ones on either side.
Prevailing Colors. — Usually a great deal of
white with dark reds, blues, greens, and yellows.
Dyes. — Good in antiques, poor in the moderns.
Designs. — Rather bold Caucasian designs.
Sizes. — Most of those which come to America
are small.
Prices. — Very cheap, from $0.50 to $1.50 per
square foot.
Remarks. — Coarse and unattractive but rather
durable.
224
KONIEH PRAYER RUG
Sizeo'3''x3'10"
FROM THE COLLECTION O.' DB, E. B. GUILE. UTICA, N. Y.
I
THE NEW VORK
PUBU'^ IIPRARY
1 A
ND
THE TURKISH CLASSIFICATION
KONIEH
Synonym. — Koniah.
Why So Named. — After the city of Konieh
(the ancient Iconium), capital of the province of
the same name, where rug weaving is an impor-
tant industry.
Knot. — Ghiordes. Number vertically eight to
twelve ; number horizontally seven to ten ; number
to square inch fifty-six to one hundred twenty.
Warp. — Fine wool in the antiques ; coarse wool
in the moderns; frequently dyed.
Woof. — Fine wool in the antiques ; coarse wool
in the moderns.
Nap. — Fine selected wool of medium length.
Weave. — Antiques evenly and tightly woven;
moderns loose and irregular in weave.
Sides. — Antiques usually selvaged, moderns
usually overcast.
Ends. — Web and selvage, sometimes fringe of
loose warp ends.
Boeder. — As a rule there are from three to
four border stripes, one wide one and two or three
narrow ones.
Prevailing Colors. — Antiques have soft shades
of blue, red, and yellow. No rule in the moderns.
Often there are two colors in one yarn.
15 225
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
Dyes. — Splendid in the antiques. Some of the
modern ones are aniline dyed.
Designs. — Eather crude. Generally plain
centre. Prayer design common.
Sizes. — Three to five by four to seven. Also
mats.
Peices. — Antiques rare; from $2.00 to $10.00
per square foot. Moderns from $1.00 to $2.25
per square foot.
Remarks. — The modern pieces are large and
thick. They resemble the Oushak carpets. Some
of them are of sterling texture and good color
and design, while others are very coarse and
cheap in every way.
THE EXAMPLES ILLUSTRATED
Maj. L. B. Lawton's Desceiption. — A most unique and rare
specimen of an obscure Anatolian weave. Good Koniehs are quite
as scarce as good Kulalis or Ghiordes, are less known and have
therefore less demand. The right and left Rhodian lilies are
green, the centre one is azure — all on rose pink. The space
above shades from Nile green to sea green. Main border is
golden buflf. This old rug is as thick as a Kazak. For softness
of tone it rivals the most delicate silk rug.
Meeceb Rug (page 13b). — This is a rug of considerable age,
and a very fine specimen of its kind. The center is in soft
tints of undyed wool, while the peacock blues of the field above
the niche are almost metallic in their brilliancy and lustre.
The delicate form of the Rhodian lily is used with much nicety
of feeling throughout the border and to break the mass of the
centre. (Owner's description.)
226
MADEN PRAYER RUG
Size4'5"X3'3"
PROPERTY OF DR. E. B. GUILE, UTICA, N. Y.
J
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC MBRARY
ASrOW, LFNCX AND
"ILDEN y-'-N OPTIONS
THE TURKISH CLASSIFICATION
MUJUR
Synont-m. — Maden.
Why So Named. — After the city of Mujur in
the Kir Shehr district of the Province of Konieh,
from which they come.
Knot. — Always the Ghiordes.
Wakp. — Always the wool.
Woof. — Wool, dyed red.
Nap. — Short wool.
Borders. — Usually three border stripes, one
wide one, with a narrow one on either side. The
main stripe usually carries floral forms arranged
in square or diamond shaped medallions. The
reciprocal saw teeth design is frequently
employed.
Ends. — ^Usually a wide red web with or with-
out short knotted warp ends.
Sides. — Finished with a three or four corded
selvage.
Prevailing Colors. — Eed, green, blue, cream,
and yellow.
Designs. — This class of rug nearly always
comes in the prayer form. There is generally a
cross panel above the prayer niche and the field is,
as a rule, filled with designs.
Sizes. — From two and a half to five feet wide
by four to seven long.
227
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
Prices." — Rather high on account of their
scarcity. From $2.00 to $10.00 a square foot.
•Eemarks. — This class of rugs is so rare that it
is not mentioned by any of the American or Eng-
lish authors.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
Ownee's Descbiption. — This rug comes from the town of
Maden, in the Kir Shehr district of Konieh province. Mudjar,
a better known rug producing town, is within twenty miles.
It has the remarkable wool and dye qualities that make the
production of Kir Shehr. This rug is so very bright that
the assertion that it is fifty to seventy-five years old might
be disputed, but the unequal color erosion, the remarkable bald
shine of the back, and the well marked thiiming of the pile
where the knees of the devotee rested while at his devotion, evi-
dence its antiquity. The panel of lavender above the prayer
arch is notable, as is the pigeon blood ruby of the field. \Miile
this rug has evidently done duty for many years, it was prob-
ably folded away after use at prayer, and given little exposure
to sunlight.
LADIK
Why So Named. — A corruption of the word
Laodicea, the name of a most primitive old town
of 500 population in the midst of a mound of
ruins near Konieh, where they are made.
Knot. — Ghiordes. Number vertically eight to
twelve; number horizontally eight to fourteen;
number to square inch sixty-four to one hundred
sixty-eight.
228
THE TURKISH CLASSIFICATION
Warp. — Always wool, generally of a fine text-
ure and dyed the predominating color of the rug.
Woof. — ^Always wool and usually dyed the
predominating color of the rug.
Nap. — In the antiques the finest, selected,
lustrous wool, which is generally cut short. In
the moderns a coarse wool of loose texture.
Weave. — Antiques closely and evenly woven.
Moderns loosely woven.
Sides. — A fairly wide colored selvage, made by
weaving the woof threads upon three or four of
the outside warp threads. Sometimes the selvage
is added.
Ends. — Usually a two- or three-inch red web
at each end, which is frequently striped with
yellow or blue. A fringe formed by the loose
warp ends.
Border. — From three to five border stripes,
generally three, one wide one with a narrow one
on each side. The main border stripe in many of
the oldest specimens has the Rhodian lily design
alternating with the rosette.
Prevailing Colors. — Subdued rich colors.
Usually greens, reds, blues, and yellows, with
more or less old ivory or white. Magenta is very
frequently employed.
Dyes. — Good, as a rule.
229
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
Designs. — Prayer design most frequent. The
pattern is so characteristic as to be unmistakable.
Figures are usually bold and large in comparison
to the size of the rug. The prayer niche always
contains five tree-like branches alternately capped
with a floral and a geometrical design. A mosque
lamp usually hangs from the niche.
Sizes. — Prayer rug sizes and mats similar to
the so-called ''Anatolian" mats.
Prices. — From $1.75 to $3.50 per square foot.
Eemaeks. — Not many modern ones. They
somewhat resemble the Bergama, but are some-
what brighter and heavier.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
Maj. L. B. Lawton's Desceiption. — Choice antique Ladika
are considerably rarer than either Kulahs or Ghiordes. Many
collectors owning all other Anatolians have never seen a Ladik.
This weave almost invariably shows the Rhodian lilies both
above and below the niche. The specimen here shown has a
rich red field doubly hooked with gold; spaces above and below
are gentian blue, main border is yellow. This latter color has
until recently been in disfavor with American collectors; but the
French and German critics have always shown a great liking for
yellow, and it is now coming into its own in America.
See also color plate at page 74.
230
***» »
YURUK RUG
Size4'2"X6'3''
PROPERTY OF MR. F. A. TURNER, BOSTON, MASS.
THE NCW YORK
PUBLIC I [rU^ARY
AS TDK, Lr A A \:<D
n L
THE TURKISH CLASSIFICATION
YURUK
Synonyms. — Yurouk, Y^'aruk.
Why So Named. — The word ''Yuruk" means
mountaineer, and the rugs are so named because
they are woven by the mountaineers who wander
with their flocks on the southern and middle
ranges of Anatolia.
Knot. — Ghiordes. Number vertically six to
twelve ; number horizontally seven to ten ; number
to square inch fifty-six to one hundred twenty.
Waep. — Brown wool or goats* hair. Fre-
quently dyed.
Woof. — Brown wool or goats' hair. Fre-
quently dyed.
Nap. — Fine, long, fluffy, lustrous wool, some-
times mixed with goats' hair.
Weave. — Loosely woven as a rule.
Sides. — Selvaged with goats' hair or overcast
with colored yarns.
Ends. — Narrow colored webs with warp ends
braided.
Boeder. — Usually two or three stripes, which
are, as a rule, rather narrow in proportion to the
size of the rug.
Peevailing Coloes. — Brilliant dark colors.
Browns and blues seem to predominate.
231
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
Dyes. — Generally good.
Designs. — Large, irregular, rude geometrical
designs, somewhat similar to those of the Kazak.
The latch hook is frequently employed.
Sizes. — Usually small.
Prices. — From $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot.
Eemaeks. — Antiques glossy and rare. The
modern ones are invariably crooked and lack
symmetry, but wear well. In many respects they
resemble the Kazaks.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
In design this piece is more Caucasian than Turkish. The
main border design is similar to those so frequently found in
the old Shirvans. Note the letter S, borders, the tarantulas and
the swastikas.
AK HISSAR
Synonyms. — Akhissar, Aksar, Axar.
Why So Named. — After a town by that name
lying in the mountains less than one hundred
miles north of Smyrna, where they are made.
Knot. — Ghiordes. Number vertically four to
eight; number horizontally four to ten; number
to square inch sixteen to eighty.
Wasp. — Coarse wool.
Woof. — Coarse wool.
Nap. — Thick wool and mohair.
Weave. — ^Loosely woven.
232
Ajy^'^^
AK HISSAR PRAYER RUG
Sizeo'9"X3'r"
PROPERTY OF COLONEL GEORGE G. BRIGGS, GRAND UAPIDS, MICH.
TKF
PUP:
YORK
3RARY I
THE TURKISH CLASSIFICATION
Sides. — Usualfy overcast, occasionally sel-
vaged.
Ends. — Narrow web at each end with loose
warp threads.
Border. — Similar to those of the Ghiordes.
Prevailing Colors. — Mostly dark green, red,
and blue, with some white.
Dyes. — Like most of the Turkish rugs, the
moderns are apt to be chemically dyed.
Designs. — Similar to those of the Ghiordes
and Oushak.
Sizes. — From four to six by six to eight feet.
Prices. — Usually cheap.
Kemarks. — Similar to the modern Ghiordes.
Very few reach the United States.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
Maj, L. B, Lawton's Description. — A typical specimen,
showing double and single latch hooks in the niche. The eight
borders might cause a beginner to name the rug Kulah, except for
the reason that Kulahs are paler in tone and usually much
larger, and decidedly thinner. A good Ak Hissar is intrinsically
worth as much as a Kulah of same quality, but, being less rare,
may be had for about ten per centum of the cost of a Kulah.
This Ak Hissar is a study in rose and green; the niche is rose,
the oblong field is green; inside border is canary, next is black;
other borders alternate rose and ivory. The pattern above the
niche is a Ghiordes conceit, as is the main border.
233
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
ANATOLIAN PROPER
Synonym. — Yesteklik, a name frequently
applied to the mats.
Why So Named. — After the country of Ajia-
tolia, which is another name for Asia Minor.
Where Made. — Most of them come from the
province of Angora and Konieh. The so-called
Anatolian mats come from all parts of Anatolia.
Knot. — Always Ghiordes. Number vertically
six to fifteen; number horizontally six to ten;
number to square inch thirty-six to one hundred
fifty.
Waep. — Always wool.
Woof. — Always wool, which is usually dyed.
Nap. — Usually a long, shaggy, soft wool.
Sometimes mohair.
Weave. — ^Very good as a rule, but apt to be
somewhat irregular.
Sides. — Always selvaged.
Ends. — Nearly always a wide red webbing with
loose warp threads at each end.
Boeder. — From one to six border stripes, most
usually three.
Prevah^ing Colors, — Rich reds, yellows,
greens, and blues, with more or less white.
Dyes. — Good in the antiques. Few modern
pieces that are not aniline dyed.
234
<f> 1
OF ORIENTAL RUGS
•^. — ^> name freque
.. .,AMEi).-- ^^^er the country of Ana
■--"^■'-^^ '■•■: ■ '^-•■'■'-1 iutine fo" ^ -'a Mino-
v a.. ' ' '" them come from iiie
provi^ 01 a aji«l Konieh. The so-called
BERGAMARUG '^^ ^f Anat
BY COURTESY OF HARDWICK & MAGEE COMPANY, PHILADELPHIA
A splendid specimen of the rare old weaves of the Bergamas in,
which rich tones of madder, tawney yellow, blue, green and ivon*'^-
are marvellously blended. The "Tribal" border abounds in material
for the attention of the student of ancient symbolism and contributes
greatly to the beauty of this exquisite floor covering. Note the
irregularities appearing in the inside and outside border bands in the
lower right-hand side.
tT JCi.t-r ti^'
jii^i, ^ixji^^f soft wool.
but apt to be
-Frora one to . most
"'d in toaexii
, 1
THE TURKISH CLASSIFICATION
Designs. — Usually bold geometrical designs.
Every sort of a device both curved and rectilineal.
The latch hook is especially common. The prayer
rugs are patterned somewhat after the Ghiordes
and Ladik.
Sizes. — From one to four by one and one-half
to six feet. Seldom larger.
Prices. — From $0.25 to $3.00 per square foot.
Eemarks. — Frequently crooked. Attractive
on account of their oddity. Very serviceable.
Some of the antique Anatolians are made in sec-
tions and afterwards sewed together.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
See color plate at page 60 with accompanying description.
BERGAMA
Synonyms. — Bergamo, Pergamo.
Why So Named. — A corruption of the word
Pergamo, which is the name of a small village of
3000 inhabitants, about forty miles northeast of
Smyrna, where they are made.
Knot. — Ghiordes. Number vertically ten to
fourteen ; number horizontally six to twelve ; num-
ber to square inch sixty to one hundred sixty-
eight.
Waep. — Always dyed wool, usually of a splen-
did quality.
235
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
Woof. — Always dyed wool.
Nap. — The best soft, silky wool, usually quite
long.
Weave. — Frequently several woof threads
between each row of knots.
Sides. — Usually broad red selvaged sides,
made by weaving the woof threads upon three or
four outside warp threads. Frequently have
small tassels of wool along the sides. The only
rug that has these excepting the Shiraz.
Ends. — Rather broad web with braided fringe
at each end. The web often carries a woven
design or blue stripes. Until recently the Ber-
gama was the only rug which sometimes had
rosettes woven on the webbing. Nowadays an
occasional Anatolian may be found with this
feature.
Border. — From three to five border stripes,
usually three. They are generally wide with flow-
ers in profile.
Prevailing Colors. — Red, green, blue, yellow,
ivory, and orange. Rather dark.
Dyes. — Nearly always of the best.
Designs. — The Bergama designs are somewhat
characteristic. The Bergama weavers are invent-
ors of patterns rather than copyists. Medallions
frequent, with a well covered field. Sometimes
the checker-board pattern. Figures generally
bold and large in proportion to size of the rug.
23G
^TiJJi',
•• ■ ■_> lio r/ij; ,/.£Kj[jJ <r;ji lUOii '5^il*Ji' li;>ilivY tjiiijil
libftlfTOn n 'to 'If; 81
1 wool.
Jit, silky wool, ucuaii^' -^Oite
-everal wool tJireacls
— Usi: broad red selvaged sides,
the woof threads upon three or
■7^ threads. Frequently have
GliKJKDES PRAYER RIG The Only
PROi'BRTY OK MR. HARRY J. FERRY, SPRINGFIELD, MASS.
Ill this beautiful specimen of Anatolian weaving various well-
known features are evident. The high, pointed, stei)-like niche, the
oblong panels at the top and bottom of the field, the gorgeous floral
designs in the space \\hich is penetrated bj' the niche, and the artistic
lamy) which hangs from its apex, are all Ghiordos characteristics,
w'^hile the seven alternating red and white central stripes which carry
the so-called "fleck" design are Kulah characteristics.
The guard stripes carrj' a lace-like serrated or water motif while
the main woollen stripes are of a nomadic nature.
a\ij Doraer stripeb,
rally wide with flow-
.OBS. — Red, green, blue, yellow,
rs... — The -ma c aresomewJ:;
The Bersrama w^ are invent-
■ -..'■ ■ i ■ ' , i -i
■^i*:h p v!-9P rorrrv Sometimes
,>.... .:enerally
■;k
RY
. a X A N D
. DATIONS
L
THE TURKISH CLASSIFICATION
Sizes. — Usually nearly square. One and one-
half to four by two to six feet. Antiques usually
run smaller than the modern ones.
Peices.— Rather high. From $2.00 to $10.00
per square foot.
Remabks. — Very scarce.
THE EXAMPLES ILLUSTRATED
Bekgama Rug. — The unusual medallion in this piece is
characteristic of the Bergama, only. In its centre is the
octagon and eight-pointed star of the Medes, a motif which is
found more or less in nearly all classes of rugs, but in none
more frequently than in the Bergama.
The main border stripe is composed of lily blossoms in
profile and in full.
Bergama Prayer Rug (see page 46) . — Knot: Ghiordes. Num-
ber to the inch, horizontally seven; vertically seven; to the
square inch, seventy-seven.
Bergama prayer rugs are not often seen in this country
and this particular piece is a very uncommon and choice one.
The designs are unusual, the colors the best and the nap has
the hammered-brass appearance so common in many of the old
Bergamas.
The prayer field is of a beautiful terracotta; the space
just above the niche is in light and dark blue; the panels carry
most peculiar geometiical designs in vrhite, yellow, blue and
brown, the upper one on a ground of terracotta and the lower
one on a ground of old rose. The main border stripe carries a
variety of nameless geometrical designs in red, yellow, blue,
brown and drab upon a white background. The outer border
stripe consists of an eight-petaled flower alternating with a
motif which might have been intended for the wine glass, so
frequently found in the Caucasian fabrics.
237
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
GHIORDES
Synonyms. — Ghiordez, Gurdiz, Guerdi, Your-
dez, Yurdi, and many others.
Why So Named. — After the city of Ghiordes,
fifty miles north of Smyrna, where they are made.
It is the ancient Gordium from which was named
the Gordian knot that Alexander the Great cut.
Knot. — Always the Ghiordes knot. Number
vertically eight to fourteen; number horizontally
eight to twelve ; number to square inch sixty-four
to one hundred sixty-eight.
Waep. — Usually wool, antiques occasionally
cotton or silk.
Woof. — Usually cotton, occasionally wool or
linen.
Nap. — Short, fine, lustreless wool, occasionally
cotton. It has the shortest nap of any of the
Turkish rugs. Seldom acquires sheen.
Sides. — Frequently finished with an added silk
selvage in pale colors.
Ends. — The fringe on the upper end, as a rule,
instead of being a continuation of the warp
threads, is a separate piece sewed on.
BoEDEE. — From three to ten border stripes,
usually one wide and one with from one to four
narrower ones on each side. A favorite arrange-
ment is to alternate light and dark border stripes.
238
GHIORDES PRAYER RUG
PROPERTY OF THE TIFFANY STUDIOS, NEW YORK CITY
THE KCVV VORK
PUBLIC I fr>RARY
ASrO«, LF>^ V AND
TILDE X F?!JN'uAT[ONS
« L
THE TURKISH CLASSIFICATION
Pkevailing Coloks. — Light blues, yellows, reds,
and greens. Usually considerable white or ivory.
Dyes. — Of the best.
Designs. — A great majority of them are of the
prayer designs. Usually with a centre of solid
color and two cross panels, one at each end of the
field.
Sizes. — Usually prayer rug sizes. Modern
ones run larger than the antiques.
Prices. — Antiques exceedingly high.
Eemabks.^ — Antiques are among the best, while
the modern ones are among the poorest.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
OwNEB s Description. — The field of this old Ghiordes rug is of
jade green, edged with small flower forms in cream, canary color,
and brown. The high prayer niche penetrates the light blue space
in which is a most symmetrical and formal arrangement of a leaf
worked in light green, brown and red. The outer and inner border
stripes carry the Ghiordes "Tarantula" design, and in the main
border the design is squared oflf in tile fashion, a stiflf leaf in light
blue filling one-half the square and two red blossoms with yellow
centres the other half. The stems are wrought in dark brown. See
also color plate, page 66.
KULAH
Synonyms. — Koula, Coula.
Why So ISTamed. — After the town of Kulah,
which is southeast of Ghiordium and east of
Smyrna, in the \4cinity of which they are made.
Knot. — Ghiordes. Number vertically eight to
239
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
twelve; number horizontally eight to fourteen;
number to square inch sixty-four to one hundred
sixty-eight.
Warp. — Always fine wool.
Woof. — Usually fine wool. Moderns occasion-
ally of cotton.
Nap. — Fine, short, silky wool in the antiques,
mohair in some of the modern ones.
Weave. — Generally close, well tied knots.
Sides. — Antiques always selvaged, moderns
usually overcast and occasionally selvaged.
Ends. — Narrow web with loose warp ends.
Generally dyed yellow.
Border. — From seven to fourteen border
stripes, having as a rule more than any other class
of rugs. Usually one wide stripe with a multi-
plication of peculiarly marked small ones, which
alternate in colors and carry minute designs. A
distinguishing feature is the so-called ''Kulah"
border stripe, which consists of the repetition of
a figure which somewhat resembles an alligator
and is quite Chinese in character.
Prevailing Colors. — In the antiques, red,
blue, golden brown, and yellow are the prevailing
colors. The modern ones have a purplish tint
instead of crimson.
Dyes. — In the antiques the dyes are of the
240
KULAH PRAYER RUG
PROPERTY OF THE TIFFANY STUDIOS, NEW YORK CITY
,Y
THE TURKISH CLASSIFICATION
best. Anilines are frequently used in the modern
product.
Designs. — The great majority of the Kulah
rugs are of the prayer variety. The inner field
is frequently filled, or partly filled, with small
floral patterns. A figure resembling the Sham-
rock is quite common. Usually one panel above
the prayer field, whereas the Ghiordes generally
has two panels: one above and one below the
prayer field.
Sizes. — Antiques from three and one-half to
five by five to seven feet. Moderns all sizes from
mats to carpets.
Prices.— Antiques costly, from $5.00 to $20.00
per square foot. Modern ones cheap, from $1.50
to $4.00.
Kemaeks. — So similar to the Ghiordes that it
is sometimes difiicult to differentiate. Of the
modern ones the better grades are made by the
Christians, while the poorer grades are made by
the Mohammedans. The distinguishing features
of the Kulah are first its characteristic border
stripes, second the filled or partly filled centre
field, while in the Ghiordes the centre field is gen-
erally of a solid color, and third, the single panel,
while the Ghiordes generally has two panels.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
Owner's Description.— The coloring in this rug has a gem-like
brilliancy combined with great refinement. The field is of deep rich
16 241
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
blue, and the flower forms that rest upon it are of soft canary and
azure. Seven borders alternately of tan and blue surround the field
and carry the "fleck" design commonly found in borders of this
style. Occasional touches of blood red are also distinctive features
of these Kulah fabrics.
MELES
Synonyms. — Melhaz, Melace, Milas, Carian,
Karian.
Why So Named. — A corruption of the word
Milassa, the name of a town a few miles southwest
of Smyrna, where they are marketed.
Where Made. — In some of the seacoast towns
south of Smyrna and on many of the scattered
islands in the Gulf of Makri.
Knot. — Ghiordes. Number vertically five to
ten ; number horizontally four to nine ; number to
square inch twenty to ninety.
Waep. — Wool, often colored at the end.
Woof. — Cotton or wool, most frequently the
former.
Nap. — Coarse, loose, lustrous wool, generally
cut short.
Sides. — Selvaged. This selvage is formed by
the woof threads when they are wool and added on
when the woof threads are cotton.
Ends. — Web of varying length at each end with
fringe of loose warp threads.
242
ANTIQUE MELES RUG
8ize6'X4'
PROPERTY OF MRS. LIEBER WHITTIC
THE TURKISH CLASSIFICATION
BoKDEE. — Generally six or more border stripes ;
the wider one usually carries flowers in profile.
PREVArLiNG Colors. — The antiques are noted
for their rich golden yellow combined with blues,
reds, and greens.
Dyes, — Generally good. Some of the modern
pieces are dyed with brilliant chemical dyes.
Designs. — Mostly Caucasian in character. The
latch hook is prominent. Besides the usual prayer
designs, perpendicular stripes of yellow, red, and
blue, with zigzag lines running through them,
are characteristic designs of the Meles. Many
small detached figures.
Sizes. — Usually small and almost square.
Three to four by four to five feet.
Prices. — Antiques are rare and few of the
modern pieces reach the United States. From
$1.50 to $3.00 per square foot.
Remarks. — They are similar to the so-called
Anatolian, but are lighter in color and woven
better. In some respects they resemble the Ber-
gama. Getting scarce as few new ones are woven.
THE EXAMPLES ILLUSTRATED
Owner's Description. — This rug comes from a city of
great antiquity in Southwestern Asia Minor, near the coast,
opposite the ishxnd of Rhodes.
The design and coloring are archaic in simplicity and sug-
gest the interests of a people dwelling by the sea. Observe the
turtle figures interspersed between the curves of vine in the
243
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
panels; also the fin-like appearance of the leaf- forms attached
to the vine, the line of fish-hook heads bordering the panels
and wave design on either side of same. The striped character
of the field is a feature to be noted in this rug, also the
introduction of an exceptional design in the fourth stripe.
The border is seen to be very inconspicuous and of re-
markably few stripes for a product of the Anatolian country.
The simple nature of the small detached floral forms indicates
an early origin, before the enriching influence of the Persian
invasion.
Brilliant colors were chosen for use in the rug, though of
such mellow tone as to be in excellent, subdued harmony. The
predominating colors are golden canary-yellow, madder red, and
green, with blue, violet and white as secondary tones.
The shades in which these colors appear are quite inde-
scribable, doubtless on account of careless methods of dyeing or
the chances of home-made mixtures. Thus the green is of a
bluish cast, the blue is mottled with lighter shades {a well-
known characteristic of this variety of rug) and the violet, which,
as the most typical and exclusive of Meles colors, should be pure
in tone, is of dingy look, apparently having succeeded brown in
the dye-pot.
All the colors have remained absolutely fast, despite the
long exposure of time. The kaleidoscopic effect which has been
noted as a quality in many old Meles rug patterns, may be
easily detected in this specimen.
Stanton Rug. — A much finer weave than the average
rug of this class and a very attractive design. Note the
peculiar shape of the field which is notched in instead of out, as
in the majority of hearth rugs. The yellow and the plum colors
in the main border stripe are seldom found in any other class
of rugs.
244
?M^/r/>M <'•]'' Mff>l^' >'^WmWm^^^^^'y
MELEti KUG
Size3'3''X47''
PROPERTY OF MR. J. H. STANTON, AUBURN, N. Y.
^^E WC^A' YORK
'^ I. ^
THE TURKISH CLASSIFICATION
MAKRI
Synonym. — Megri.
Why So Named. — After the Gulf of Makri.
"Where Made. — On the islands in the Gulf of
Makri and in the towns along its coast.
Knot. — Always the Ghiordes. Number verti-
cally four to eight; number horizontally four to
eight ; number to the square inch sixteen to sixty-
four.
Weave. — Quite similar to that of the Meles,
but a trifle coarser.
Warp. — ^White or gray wool.
Woof. — White or gray wool.
Nap. — Of long wool, usually from % to % o^
an inch long.
Sides. — Usually finished with a three or four
corded selvage.
Ends. — A wide web through which generally
run blue and red stripes with or without a knotted
mesh and loose warp ends.
Borders. — Usually three stripes, the designs
of which are, as a rule, less floral in character
than are those of the Meles.
Prevailing Colors. — Quite similar to those
employed in the Meles, especially the yellows,
245
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
reds, blues and plum color. Unlike the Meles,
they usually carry green.
Designs. — A sort of a mixture of the Meles
and Caucasian designs. The field is most fre-
quently composed of two or three panels which
very much resemble those of cathedral windows.
Sizes. — From three and a half to four and a
half feet wide by five to seven feet long.
Prices. — As they are seldom found in the
market it is difficult to place any stated value on
them.
Remarks. — One of the rarest rugs in existence.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
The weave, the tawny yellow and the motives in the right
hand panel are typically Meles; the motives in the left hand
panel are more like those found in the Bergama products; and
the cross panel at the upper end of the field is a Kulah or
Ghiordes feature. The wide web at either end with the vari-
colored stripes is a feature quite foreign to the Anatolian
products.
SMYRNA
Why So Named. — Because they are marketed
at Smyrna. Smyrna itself is not a centre of rug
weaving, but these rugs come from the towns of
the western provinces of Turkey in Asia, namely,
Aidin and Brousa.
246
MAKIII RUG
Size3'll"X5'10"
PROPERTY OF MR. J. H. STANTON, AUBURN, N. Y.
THE TURKISH CLASSIFICATION
Knot. — Ghiordes. Number vertically four to
eight ; number horizontally four to ten ; number to
square inch sixteen to eighty.
Wakp. — Coarse wool.
Woof. — Coarse wool, generally dyed.
Nap. — Loosely woven.
Weave. — Loosely woven and carelessly tied.
Sides. — No rule, most frequently short web
with loose warp ends.
Boeder. — No rule; generally three border
stripes, one wide one with a narrow one on each
side.
Peevailing Colors. — No rule. Bright reds,
blues, and greens are commonly employed.
Dyes. — Generally chemical.
Designs. — Anything and everything, largely
European and seldom artistic.
Sizes. — Carpet sizes only.
Prices. — From $1.00 to $1.50 per square foot.
Remarks. — No antiques. The modern ones are
purely commercial creations.
MOSUL
Synonyms. — ^Mousoul, Moussoul.
Why So Named. — After the town of that name
in Mesopotamia, where they are marketed. They
are made by the Kurds who inhabit the mountain-
ous districts north of Mosul around Lake Van.
247
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
Knot. — Ghiordes. Number vertically six to
eight; number horizontally six to ten; number to
square inch thirty-six to eighty.
Waep. — Usually coarse, dark wool or goats'
hair. Occasionally cotton.
Woof. — Usually coarse, dyed wool.
Nap. — Excellent, long, lustrous wool, camels*
or goats' hair.
Weave. — Some closely and tightly woven, but
the majority are rather loosely woven.
Sides. — Corded edges overcast with dark wool.
Frequently overcast with wool of different colors
after the Kurdish fashion. Occasionally selvaged.
Ends. — At each end a narrow selvage with one
or more stripes of colored yarn running through,
usually red and blue. As a rule one of these
selvages is turned over and hemmed, while the
other is finished with braided warp threads which
are knotted at the ends.
Border. — From three to six border stripes,
usually three, which are separated by lines of
dark blue or brown. Frequently there is consid-
erable camels' hair in the border. The Saraband
pattern is sometimes copied.
Prevailing Colors. — Usually dark, rich blues,
yellows, greens, reds, and browns. The browns
and yellows predominate as a rule. These colors
are shaded as only the Kurds know how.
248
MOSUL RUG
Size4'X7'2"
PROPERTY OP MRS. LIEBER WHITTIC
THE TURKISH CLASSIFICATION"
Dyes. — As a rule excellent except in a small
proportion of the modem pieces.
Designs. — A multitude of designs which are
usually rather striking in character. Probably
patterned more after the Persian designs than any
others. The Saraband and the Herati patterns
are frequently used. Medallions filled with the
pear or other small designs.
Sizes. — Usually three to four by four to seven
feet, runners from two to four by eight to twenty
feet. Saddle bags.
Prices. — Among the best moderate priced
rugs. From $1.00 to $2.00 per square foot.
Remarks. — Best in the market for very hard
service. Quite thick and heavy and generally lie
well.
THE EXAJklPLE ILLUSTRATED
Owneb's Description. — This type of rug comes from the
largest rug-producing centre of Eastern Asia Minor. The speci-
men shown illustrates the Mosul at its best, as to closeness of
weave, length of pile, symmetry of design and richness of
coloring.
The superb lustre of the wool, comparable only to a silk
plush, and the great softness of the long pile — features which
have made famous the rugs from this region — are here con-
spicuous.
In shape and design also the specimen is typical. The
field is composed of diamond-shaped sections outlined in black
and decorated with the conventionalized tarantula. By placing
these sections diagonally a latticed effect is produced.
249
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
The usual border plan of three stripes, two narrow ones
separated by a broader, appears here. The narrow stripes are
in the familiar flower-and-vine design, the broad stripe in a
formal arrangement of rosette and hour-glass, all conforming to
the geometrical and rectangular lines of Turkish design.
The color scheme of the piece is remarkable for its har-
mony. The dominant color is wine, introduced in many beau-
tifully blended shades, and relieved with correspondingly soft
tones of old blue and green, the whole illuminated with well-
arranged bands of white.
;x>wt>ijO',>
■<>iVi
-lev ffmdhtti-, vUfiifio&i-iod Sonl .vo'i^ iioiul
mo: i%iio<J. ;3|ni r!Vi7/ nfii^tB-^uf/J lo fl'jaimqa bihi.io' - /
-na nii eifiidq odt to oraos; io i^ .uxfroldijssiluiifci Ji iicMt*3fiq«yii
.Ifito'i ;*d* lo H591 oifj )o iiidi moil Jun^l&ib •jf^'jila'^* loloo £ ni byifei
*Bo;^ bfUi lii^q Jjnofl eiiohev iiwnTii:; oil; etio^jjJDO srf^ a'WCffioH .
gnihf.rfa Id 3l#i) A^ihuf'A 'jffr ni l>Ds,Iuhni risd 'Mveav/ j»i{i bnn amiol
lo>- ! ' ■ ■■ ;■'.:- ■ - ■ .: -;, ,^iolii
.aooig
IboI .k aiiv/ 91117 smT>bne'jm t: ioajgianoo sqhle r^biod niKJtn afd 1'
Sni-Qifit) flqiilifcv/on*:if /: ?.j huIJ ^osbi^-- xfofio no bue m'oi don^j Jj: inio't
lannr grff; bnii -woibvlG bfsii b no obo 3'.*lno oifi .isbfTR'jxw yfsoiO siS'
.l>'>i ^o hhh fi no 000
eifi ffttjioo Qrf.t ifgjroiljbi bn/i .a^uui u-jblu ni sir/'i .tfishO eifl lo injur
(o<^!l' ">Jif'q 10'^)
■A border' ]i!aa of three atripes, two narrow ones
nppearg here. The narrow stripet are
■\ the broad stripe in a
piece is remarkable for its har-
it color is wine, introduced in many beau-
SHIRVAN RUG Y soft
Si7e7'3''X4' 'uui ;n<»tt.u '*!i.ii well-
FROM THE COLLECTION OF THE AUTHOK
Knot: Ghiordes. Seven to the inch horizontally and nine ver-
tically, making sixtj'-three to the square inch.
A splendid specimen of Caucasian weaving, being a perfect gem
for color, quality and sheen, although in design it differs somewhat
from the ordinary Shirvan.
The field is covered with octagons each of which contains an
eight-petaled flower, no two of which are alike in color. Upon close
inspection it is noticeable that the ends of some of the petals are fin-
ished in a color entirely different from that of the rest of the petal.
Between the octagons are strewn various floral, pear and goat
forms and the weaver has indulged in the Kurdish trick of shading
the background, which shows no less than three distinct shades of
green.
The main border stripe consists of a meandering vine with a leaf
form at each turn and on each side of this is a narrow stripe carrying
the Greek meander, the outer one on a field of yellow and the inner
one on a field of red.
This is a verj' old piece with dyes equal to those found in any
part of the Orient, even in olden times, and although the colors are
rather pronounced they are very pleasing to the eye.
(See page 205)
THE CAUCASIAN CLASSIFICATION
RUSSIA
THE CAUCASIAN CLASSIFICATION
Caucasia and Transcaucasia form an isthmus
connecting Europe and Asia. It is bounded on
the west by the Black Sea and on the east by the
Caspian Sea and it has an area of about 166,500
square miles, with a population of nearly ten mil-
lion. It was once Persian territory, but was ac-
quired by Eussia in 1813. Nowhere in the world
is there such a mixture of races and languages,
the number of dialects being estimated at about
seventy. The carpets of the Caucasians are in
coloring and in design identical with those of
Ancient Assyria and Babylon and they have pre-
served their original characteristics, but alas, not
their original dyes, for here too the coal-tar prod-
ucts have been well received by these wild moun-
taineers.
The Caucasian rugs are characterized by their
prominent borders and their purely geometrical
?.a3
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
patterns with sharp outlines. Both warp and
woof are usually of wool excepting in some of the
Kabistans and Shirvans and, as a rule, the ends
are finished with loose or braided warp threads.
The predominating colors are the blues and yel-
lows. They are seldom made in large sizes. Some
of the most characteristic designs are the eight-
pointed star of the Medes, the six-pointed star of
the Mohammedans, the triangle, the diamond, the
latch hook, the barber-pole stripe, the tarantula,
the swastika, the reciprocal trefoil, the link-in-
lozenge and the tree of life.
DAGHESTAN
Why So Named. — Daghestan means "moun-
tain land" and is the name of a district in Cau-
casian Russia on the Caspian Sea. It has a popu-
lation of 600,000.
Knot. — Ghiordes. Number vertically ten to
fifteen; number horizontally eight to fourteen;
number to square inch eighty to two hundred ten.
Warp. — Usually wool, being as a rule a dark
brown or natural color in the antiques and white
or gray in the moderns. Some of the moderns
have a combination of cotton and wool. The warp
threads may be composed of one strand of cotton
and one of wool in such a way as to cause a puck-
254
DAGHESTAN RUG
OWNED BY A. U. DILLEY & CO.
PUB!
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
THE CAUCASIAN CLASSIFICATION
ering of the fabric, especially after it has been
wet.
Woof. — In the moderns nearly always cotton.
In the antiques usually white or gray wool or a
mixture of the two.
Nap. — Fine silky wool cut short.
Weave. — As a rule finely and closely woven.
Sides. — Selvaged or overcast with colored
wool.
Ends. — A narrow selvage with loose or knotted
warp threads at each end.
BoRDEE. — Three or more border stripes,
usually three, carrying small figures and sepa-
rated by narrow stripes of solid colors. The main
border stripe most frequently has a cream colored
ground. The lobster, the crab, the reciprocal tre-
foil, the reciprocal saw-teeth, the wine glass,
the barber-pole stripe, and the Georgian border
designs are frequently employed.
Peevailing Coloes. — The central ground is
usually ivory with figures in the different tints of
red, blue, green, and yellow.
Dyes. — In the antiques all good. Some of the
moderns are aniline dyed.
Designs. — The same patterns are employed as
were in vogue centuries ago. Diagonal ornamen-
tation of both border and field is frequently em-
255
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
ployed as in many of the Kabistans. Floral forms
seldom used. The centre is never plain, but is
always filled with small geometrical figures. The
tarantula, the swastika, the link, S forms, octagon,
eight-pointed star, and the latch hook variations
are common. The Greek cross is almost omni-
present.
Sizes. — From two and one-half to seven by
four to ten feet.
Pkices. — Antiques rare; moderns cheap, from
$1.00 to $3.00 per square foot.
Remakks. — Frequently crooked. The Shirvan
and Kabistans are often sold as Daghestans.
THE EXAMPLES ILLUSTRATED
COLOR PLATES
with accompanying descriptions at pages 84 and 292.
DOUBLETONES
DAQHESTAN EUG (page 254)
Like most rugs of its class this piece consists wholly of
geometrical devices such as the latch hook, star, octagon,
barber-pole stripe, etc., all spaces being filled with designs of
various sizes. Each motif consists of three eight-pointed star
forms, one within another. The second and third borders are
purely Caucasian and represent a twig with two leaves and a
flower. This motif is seldom found in any but the Caucasian
fabrics.
DAGHESTAN PRAYEB ETJG (see page 256)
The most common form of Daghestan prayer rug with its
Caucasian niche and lattice field, each square of which is filled
with a peculiar rectilineal floral form. All of the border designs
are characteristically Caucasian.
25fi
DAGHESTAN PRAYER RUG
PROPERTY OF H. B. CLAFLIN & CO.
(Description on page 256)
YORK
'■ 'RY
Abl CK, LKNOX AN£)
TILDE X FC^UNuATIONS
^ L
THE CAUCASIAN CLASSIFICATION
DERBEND
Synonym. — Derbent.
Why So Named. — Derbend, meaning "sl forti-
fied gate, ' ' is the name of the chief city and capital
of the province of Daghestan, in the neighborhood
of which these rugs are made by tlie Tartars and
Turkomans.
Knot. — Ghiordes. Number vertically eight to
twelve ; number horizontally five to ten ; number to
square inch forty to one hundred twenty.
Warp. — Brown wool or goats' hair.
Woof. — Good wool. Usually more than two
woof threads between each row of knots.
Nap. — Good, soft, thick, long, lustrous wool.
Weave. — Very good, but not as close as that
of the Daghestans.
Sides. — Generally overcast. Occasionally sel-
vaged.
Ends. — Like the Daghestans, a short web with
knotted fringe at each end. Sometimes the web
is wide as in the Turkoman products.
Boeder. — From two to four border stripes,
carrying large geometrical patterns separated by
narrow stripes of plain color.
Prevailing Colors. — Fewer colors than the
17 257
^
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
Daghestans. Usually a field of blue or red. Yel-
low is lavishly employed.
Dyes. — Generally good.
Designs. — Similar to those of the Daghestans
and Kabistans, but of a coarser nature and purely
geometric, the latch hook and the eight-pointed
star devices being the most common. The field
usually consists of a repetition of the designs in
alternate colors.
Pkices. — From $0.50 to $2.50 per square foot.
Eemaeks. — Rather rare. Of little artistic
value.
KABISTAN
Synonyms. — Cabistan, Kuban.
Why So Named. — After the district of Kuba,
which lies southwest of Daghestan near the Cas-
pian Sea, where they are made.
Knot. — Ghiordes. Number vertically ten to
sixteen; number horizontally eight to fourteen;
number to square inch eighty to two hundred
twenty-four.
Wakp. — Sometimes cotton, sometimes wool.
They differ from the Daghestans in that the latter
always have wool warp.
Woof. — Usually cotton. Occasionally wool.
Nap. — Short wool, closely clipt)ed, seldom
lustrous.
258
m>^^^^^^'?^^f^
KABISTAN RUG
LOANED BY H. B. CLAFLIN A CO.
THE CAUCASIAN CLASSIFICATION
"Weave. — Closely woven, equal to the Daghes-
tan in that respect.
Sides. — Nearly always overcast with cotton
threads or selvaged with cotton. Some of the
modern ones are finished with a cording.
Ends. — Narrow web with loose or twisted warp
threads.
Boeder. — From three to five border stripes.
The carnation in profile is one of the most com-
monly employed border designs.
Prevailing Colors. — Rich but not brilliant reds,
greens, blues, and yellows, with considerable white.
Dyes. — Like all other Caucasian rugs many of
the modern ones are more or less chemically dyed.
Designs. — Similar to the Shirvan. The floral
forms are usually connected by meander lines, in
which respect they differ from those of the
Shirvan. An attempt to render geometrical orna-
ment in a floral manner. Small conventional
flowers thrown broadcast. The tarantula, the swas-
tika, the link, S forms, diamonds, stars, birds, and
animals are all introduced. A field of large recti-
lineal pear designs arranged in diagonal rows is
common.
Sizes. — Usually oblong. Can be had in larger
sizes than the Daghestan. From two and one-half
to five by five to twenty feet.
259
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
Peices. — iFrom $1.00 to $3.00 per square foot.
Eemakks. — Often sold for the Daghestan. The
most durable of the moderate priced rugs. They
are thin and flexible and lie well.
THE EXA^IPLE ILLUSTRATED
The field is filled with four peculiar oblong medallions and
geometrical devices of various kinds, such as the Greek key,
diamonds, crosses, etc. All of the border designs are charac-
teristically Caucasian.
TCHETCHEN
Synonyms. — Tzitzi, Chichi.
Why So Named. — The name of a powerful
tribe of wandering mountaineers who inhabit the
mountains in the northwestern part of Daghestan
and who weave them.
Kngt. — Ghiordes. Number vertically six to
ten; number horizontally five to ten; number to
square inch thirty to one hundred.
Waep. — Usually fine wool, occasionally cotton.
Woof. — Fine wool. Frequently dyed brown.
Nap. — Fine wool, closely clipped.
Weave. — Usually well woven but looser than
the Daghestan.
SmES. — Narrow colored selvage, usually of
extra yarns. Sometimes overcast.
Ends. — Web of varying widths at each end
with a fringe of loose warp ends.
260
TCHETCHEX OR CHICHI RUG
8izeo'8"X3'll"
FROM THE COLLECTION OF DR. E. B. GUILE, UTICA, N. Y.
PUBI
THE CAUCASIAN CLASSIFICATION
Boeder. — From three to six border stripes
caiTj^ng a combination of floral and geometrical
designs. The so-called Chichi border design is
nearly always present.
Peevailing Colors. — Usually dark colors with
considerable dark blue and white.
Dyes. — ^As a rule good.
Designs. — Eather indefinite. Usually a mix-
ture of the Caucasian and Persian designs
repeated over the field so as to form a trellis.
Diamond-shaped figures, rosettes, trefoils, and
tarantula forms. Field rather narrow in com-
parison with the borders.
Sizes. — Nearly square, four to five by five to
six feet.
Prices. — From $0.75 to $2.50 per square foot.
Remarks. — Resemble the Shirvan in texture,
for which they are frequently sold.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
Ma J. L. B. Lawton's Descbiption. — A typical specimen
of this weave, with the many small Cliinese figures in blue. A
star border, an interlocking border and a wide basket border.
This specimen is unusual in being lighter toned in the ground.
BAKU
"Why So Named. — After the city of Baku, a
seaport on the Caspian in the district of Shirvan,
from whence they are shipped.
261
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
Knot. — GMordes. Number vertically eiglit to
sixteen; number horizontally eiglit to twelve;
number to square inch sixty-four to one hundred
ninety-two.
Waep. — Cotton or wool. Frequently camels'
hair.
Woof. — Usually cotton. Sometimes wool.
Nap. — Wool with more or less camels' or
goats' hair, cut short.
Weave. — Generally closely woven and well tied.
Sides. — Usually overcast, occasionally sel-
vaged.
Ends. — A small streak of camels' hair is
usually thrown across one end. This is one of
the characteristic Baku features.
Border. — From three to six border stripes,
most frequently three, one wide one with a narrow
one on either side.
Prevailing Colors. — Similar to those of the
Daghestan.
Dyes. — Generally good.
Designs. — The large-sized pear pattern is per-
haps the most common. It is generally of a recti-
lineal nature. Frequently there is a central
medallion with corners to match.
Sizes. — From three to seven by four to nine
feet. The length is generally double or more than
the width,
262
K3 OVBOT/ fc io oiqrrii.z'.* !L'!cas siiifiT"
.ii..;mu. ■ ,1 ■(;,hfo?rif:;3v h^-ifailOtl ariu tfjor?* '
i| '4jf) rrr. > f*rf« Hot t'^tbhL.n fUiw apiild v.
N/
A i
JiOOh OF ORIENTAL RUGS
-\ uiuLier veriicuiiy tjigiit it)
zout^" l to twelve;
c iiicu s* one hundred
^'Iton or wool. Frequently camel?'
tton. S Ties WOO)
more c ^r
^V _-, vr: I'v "Ir!? 1" xvovi^n and well tied.
BAKU RUG ^rn-innr- epL
PROF'ERTY OF DR. E. B. GUILE, UTICA, N. Y.
. uf
3'3"x4'6". Ghiordes knot. Knots 10x10, equalling one hundred
knots to the square inch.
A charming small example of a weave extremely rare in " collec-"
tor's quality." About one himdred years old, yet in perfect condition.
Soft tans and baby blues with madder red and dark blue form the
color scheme. This rug, long used as a wall piece, was purchased ,
from an old couple in Batoum over twenty-five years ago, and had
been in their possession for many years. idl luW
r to those of tbt
' V of a V'
•>rn fhrff^ in p ^ - '>r to n'w
•'}p.K
ARY
■ AND
AT IONS
L
THE CAUCASIAN CLASSIFICATION
Pkices. — Rather high priced on account of
their scarcity ; $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot.
Remaeks. — Not very common in the United
States.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
The design of this piece, the large pear motif with central
serrated medallion and corner pieces to match, is the most
common one employed in the Baku district. In contrast to the
Persian rendition of the pear design those in the Baku are
larger and more rectilineal. Like the Saraband the stems point
in the opposite direction in alternate rows. All of the border
stripes are purely Caucasian, the central one being a form of
latch hook border.
SHEMAKHA
Synonyms. — Soumak, Sumak, Kashmir, Cash-
mere.
Why So Named. — After the city of Shemakha,
the capital and principal commercial city of the
ancient Khanate of Shii-van, which was ceded to
Persia in 1813, Soumak is a corruption of the
word Shemakha. Sometimes called Kashmir or
Cashmere on account of the resemblance of the
weave to that of the Cashmere shawl.
By Whom Made. — By the Nomadic tribes of
Shirvan.
Stitches. — In antiques ten to twelve rows of
stitches to the inch. In moderns seven is the
average.
Waep. — Always wool. Usually white in the
antiques and coarse grayish brown in the modernSc
263
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
Woof. — Always wool.
Weave. — Woven in the same primitive fashion
as of old. The only pileless Oriental rug besides
the Ghileems. The different colored woof threads
are twisted over and under the warp threads by
means of a needle in such a way that each stitch
is made diagonally, taking in two of the warp
threads and leaving every alternate row of
stitches to face in the opposite direction after the
herring-bone pattern. On the under side the
shaggy ends of the colored woof threads are left
loose. They never have any lustre„
Sn)Es. — Usually overcast in dark wool, some-
times selvaged.
Ends. — A long fringe at both ends formed by
the loose warp ends. Usually white in the
antiques and grayish brown in the moderns.
BoEDEE. — From two to five border stripes,
usually four, the main one carrying a zigzag
design. The Georgian border design is common,
as is also the Chinese fret.
Peevailing Coloes. — ^Light and dark blue,
green, yellow, red, orange, black, and white. The
field is most frequently of dark blue or red.
Dyes. — Good in antiques and poor in moderns.
Designs. — Similar to those of the Daghestan
and Shirvan and have remained unchanged for
centuries All designs are outlined in black and
264
S^vS^ J3- vS V ro~-vj>i"\B^
"'*
SHEMAKHA, SUxMAK OR CASHMERE RUG
Size6'2"X4'9"
PROPERTY OF MR. H. J. GAYLORD, SYRACUSE, N. Y,
..HE N^-V.' VORK
PUBLIC
i-^A,HY
ASYO^, '^ ••_
,ND
TlLO£>5 i''
UN'UXTIONS
THE CAUCASIAN CLASSIFICATION
the Mongolian influence is quite perceptible, the
knot of destiny, mountains, etc., being very
frequently used, together with the usual Cau-
casian designs such as the latch hook, octagon,
and various other geometrical devices. Animals
are frequently portrayed.
Sizes. — From three to seven by four to twelve
feet. Seldom larger than seven by ten. Antiques
were not made in carpet sizes.
Prices. — From $0.75 to $1.75 per square foot.
Remarks. — Durable, but they lack animation
compared with other rugs.
THE EXAJVIPLE ILLUSTRATED
Unlike other classes, the Shemakha has no pile but has a
flat stitch made by winding the dyed woof thread around the
warp yarn. This piece is one of the finest, having thirteen
stitches to the inch. Like in most rugs of its class, the designs
are typically Caucasian, among which are freely interspersed
plenty of eight-pointed stars, swastikas and knots of destiny.
The latter motif is nearly always present in this variety.
SHIRVAN
Why So Named. — After the district of Shirvan,
south of Daghestan and extending from the Cas-
pian Sea to the river Kur. Marketed at Baku,
the trade centre of the district.
By Whom Made. — Woven by the Lesgie tribes.
Knot. — Ghiordes. Number vertically six to
twelve ; number horizontally five to nine ; number
to square inch thirty to one hundred eight.
Warp. — Generally white or gray wool or a
266
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
mixture of the two in the antiques, while the mod-
erns are of brown or white wool or a mixture of the
two. Sometimes the warp is of cotton or goats ' hair.
Woof. — Usually wool in the antiques. In mod-
ern pieces, usually of wool, occasionally of cotton
and sometimes cotton and wool strands will be
twisted together in such a manner as to cause
more or less puckering of the fabric, especially
after same has been wet.
Nap. — Wool, cut short.
Weave. — Cheaply and roughly woven.
Sides. — Overcast or selvaged.
Ends. — Usnally both ends are finished alike
with a short web and an extra large fringe of
loose or knotted warp threads.
Boeder. — Three to five border stripes, gen-
erally four, one wide one and several narrow ones.
As a rule they carry small designs either of a
Caucasian or Persian character. The latch hook,
the tarantula, the scorpion, and the wine glass
designs are common.
Prevailing Colors. — Quiet tints of red, blue,
yellow, and salmon, with considerable white.
Dyes. — Moderns very apt to be chemical.
Designs. — Quite similar to those of the Dag-
hestan and Kabistan, but more inclined to imitate
the Persian designs without the connecting vine or
meander effect and inclined to be rather large in
266
SHIRVAN RUG
Size5'6"X3'6"
PROPERTY OF DR. E. B. GUILE, UTICA, N. T.
THE NCW YORK
PUBLIC M3RAKY
AND
kTIONS
L
THE CAUCASIAN CLASSIFICATION
proportion to the size of the rug. The tarantula,
the swastika, the link, the S form, and the palace
patterns are commonly employed.
Sizes. — From three to five by four to seven
feet. No carpet sizes.
Pkices. — Among the cheapest of the Caucasia:
products. From $0.50 to $2.00 per square foot.
Eemakks. — Moderns made only to sell.
THE EXAMPLES ILLUSTRATED
COLOE PLATES
with accompanying description at pages 158 and 250.
DOUBLETONE
Owner's Description. — Unusually fine for Shirvan. This
rug is in the century class. The three borders are not often
seen, but are characteristic of the older rugs of the Daghestan
district. The glory of this rug is in the marvelous centre. At
first sight one might think of the famous " rose " Kirmans.
The treatment of the roses, lilies, peonies, etc., merit more than
a passing glance. No weaver could possibly show greater fidelity
to nature in the shading of leaf and petal than did the now for-
gotten factor of this unusual rug. The erosion of time has
given the surface an appearance of brocade velvet. Casual
examination would indicate a green background, but in reality
it is black, the profusion of green being an intricate and realistic
arrangement of leaves.
GENGHIS
Synonyms. — Guenja, Guendja, Guenges, Turk-
man.
"Why So Named. — Authorities differ greatly as
to the origin of the name. Some say that the
267
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
proper name should be Guenja, which was the
ancient name of Elizabethpol, from whence they
came. Others insist they should be called Genghis,
which is the name of the tribe of Nomads living
in the vicinity of Elizabethpol who weave them.
Knot. — Ghiordes. Number vertically six to
ten ; number horizontally five to eight ; number to
square inch thirty to eighty.
"Wabp. — A three-strand thread of brown wool
or goats ' hair.
"Woof. — Gray or brown wool, frequently dyed.
Generally several woof threads between each row
of knots.
Nap. — ^Usually rather long wool or goats ' hair.
Of a much finer quality in the antiques.
"Weave. — ^As a rule coarsely woven.
Sides. — Selvaged or overcast, with different
colored wool, most frequently the former.
Ends. — Web with small knotted fringe on one
or both ends. Sometimes the web is wide as in the
Turkoman rugs.
Bobder. — From two to five border stripes,
most frequently three, one wide one with a narrow
one on each side, all carrying geometrical designs.
Prevailing Colors. — Similar to those of the
Kazaks. Usually considerable white with rather
bright red, light and dark blue.
268
Ny '^. -^ S-»y.
GENGHIS RUXXER
Size 8' 9" X 2' 8"
PROPERTY OF THE AUTHOR
TK£ iNTW YORK
""^'" 'J3RARY
"ILDEN F?13NDATI0NS
L
THE CAUCASIAN CLASSIFICATION
Dyes. — Apt to be inferior.
Designs. — Similar to those of the Kazaks and
Karabaghs. Geometrical as a rule, sometimes
flowers and vines. The pear is frequently em-
ployed, usually in alternate rows of red and blue.
Birds and animals.
Sizes. — Seldom square, mostly runners three
to five by four to nineteen feet.
Peices. — The lowest priced Caucasian rug as a
rule. From $0.50 to $2.00 per square foot.
Eemaeks. — Durable. Often sold as Kara-
baghs.
THE EXAIVIPLE ILLUSTRATED
Knot: Ghiordes. Nine to the inch vertically and seven
horizontally, making sixty-three to the square inch.
This is a very old piece. Note that the outer border
appears in the ends and is lacking on the sides, having been cut off
on account of its worn-out condition.
The field is covered with the pear design in alternating
rows of light and dark colors upon a rich red ground. The
inner border carries the Greek meander in red and white upon
a blue ground, while the main stripe is filled with the octagon
and the eight-pointed star of the Medes in different colors upon
a white ground. The third border, which remains on the ends
only, carries the Greek meander in blue and white upon a red
ground. Both warp and woof are of wool.
KARABAGH
Synonym. — Carabagh.
Why So Named. — After Karabagh, the name
of a province in Transcaucasia just across the
269
/
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
Persian border nortli of Tabriz, where they are
made.
Knot. — Ghiordes. Number vertically six to
twelve; number horizontally five to ten; number
to square inch thirty to one hundred twenty.
Wakp. — Coarse white or brown wool.
Woof. — Coarse wool, sometimes dyed. Gen-
erally several strands between each row of knots.
Nap. — Long, heavy wool or camels' hair.
Weave. — Coarsely woven and carelessly
knotted.
Sides. — Antiques usually selvaged. Moderns
nearly always overcast with colored wool.
Ends. — Short webs, one of which is generally
turned back and hemmed. The other end has a
fringe of loose or twisted warp threads.
Border. — From two to fourteen border stripes
with a large range of geometrical designs. The
reciprocal trefoil is especially common. Fre-
quently a border of camels' hair.
Prevailing Colors. — More subdued in antiques
than in the moderns. Magenta is used lavishly.
Strong reds, yellows, and blues, with considerable
white.
Dyes. — Nearly all of the modern pieces are
chemically dyed.
Designs. — Similar to the Kazaks, only a trifle
270
KARABAGli KL'G
Size5'X3'3"
PROPERTY OF DR. E. B. GUILE, UTICA, N. T
THE t<£* ''"f.v
THE CAUCASIAN CLASSIFICATION
more Persian in character, that is, more Persian
floral forms are introduced. Sometimes the field
is plain, sometimes it is filled with some tree
patterns or with numerous floral and geometrical
figures. In some of the antiques the field is cov-
ered with black and tan spots, giving it the appear-
ance of a leopard's skin, which no doubt it was
intended to represent.
Sizes. — Two to six by four to eight feet.
Usually small. Never in carpet sizes.
Prices. — Antiques rare and rather costly.
Moderns among the cheapest of the Oriental
weave. From $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot.
Remarks. — One of the most inferior products
of the Eastern loom, but artistic. Have deterio-
rated considerably of late years.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
Owner's Description. — An exceptional Karabagh. The
design shows evident attempt at Persian elaboration, this weave
being about the only Caucasian that shows such tendency. The
floral display in the centre; the beautiful old ivory of the cor-
ner pieces, and the exquisite canary, coral and blue of the three
borders, evidence that the artisan that wrought this fabric had
thoroughly mastered the harmony of color. The blacks in this
piece have gone fully down to the knot. Such Karabaghs have
not been made for a hundred years.
271
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
KAZAK
Synonym. — Small Kazaks are called Kazakdjie.
Why So Named. — A corruption of the word
Cossack.
Wheee Made. — In the Transcaucasian district
of Erivan, near Mt. Ararat, where Russia, Persia,
and Turkey meet.
By Whom Made. — By the Cossack Nomads,
whose origin seems to be unknown. They were
probably related to the Cossacks of Russia.
Knot. — Ghiordes. Number vertically six to
twelve; number horizontally six to ten; number
to square inch thirty-six to one hundred twenty.
Fewer than any of the other Caucasian fabrics.
Warp. — Always wool.
Woof. — Nearly always wool, usually dyed. A
characteristic feature is the number of woof
threads between each row of knots, usually four
or more.
Nap. — Fine lustrous wool, which is usually cut
long. The great number of woof threads causes
the nap to lie so that the side of the yarn is ex-
posed more than the ends.
Sides. — Usually a wide selvage in colored wool.
Occasionally overcast.
Ends. — Usually a short colored selvage at each
end, one of which is sometimes turned back and
272
KAZAK RUG
(PALACE DESIGN)
PROPERTY OF MR. FREDERIC P. WARFIELD, NEW YORK CITY
THE CAUCASIAN CLASSIFICATION
hemmed. A fringe of knotted or braided warp
ends. When braided the ends of the rug are apt
to be drawn and twisted so that it does not lie
well.
Boeder. — From three to four border stripes,
usually three. The crab, wine glass, reciprocal
saw-teeth, reciprocal trefoil, tarantula, and latch
hook variations are common.
Peevailing Coloes. — Rather bright shades of
red, green, yellow, brown, and rose, with more or
less ivory or white. These colors are more sub-
dued in the antiques.
Dyes. — Poor in some of the modern pieces.
Designs. — Similar to those of the Shirvan and
Genghis. Bold geometrical figures which are
characteristic of the people who weave them.
The tarantula, diamond, palm, animals, and hu-
man beings are profusely portrayed. The Greek
cross is almost always present and the Russian
coat of arms common.
Sizes. — Small and medium, three to six by five
to eight feet. Usually square or nearly so.
Prices. — Antiques few and valuable. The
moderns are among the cheapest of the Oriental
products. From $0.75 to $2.00 per square foot.
Remaeks. — As a rule thick and heavy though
soft and durable.
18 273
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
THE EXAMPLES ILLUSTRATED
COLOR PLATES
with accompanying descriptions at pages 94 and 144.
DOUBLETONE (page 272)
The field design is known as the Palace or Sunburst, It
is common in the Kazaks and Shirvans, but never used in
any other rugs. This piece shows the most common form of
Kazak with the Palace design in the centre and the Crab
border, on each side of which is ttie reciprocal saw-teeth.
OJfl ffaYAm AilAHVlGH fllH^aa
91B fcxi^if^ol) 9riT .r«hl/ 9f[j lo jiirfj -(tla^olo '£7ov ?.oId«i'>e9i odoifl
«)§£ emofc lo vliiohiva ei g-.oiq «irfT vniefi'jJti stjiip gj froiJ/midain',
i9rito9ilt no SB siTKWwrbeifj^nsv b jo LfiQ-tsni f^hfc^nff} njaw -^ool
(08S 9§/:ji ')'>8)
i
AL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
•K EX.\MPLES ILLUSTRATED
■a PUITES
,;•.-..•: .^' I i JDS at i" - •.,, i'i*.
DOCBUETONE lpaj_. - ,
f.tilA design is known as the Palace or Sunburst, x:
in the Kazaks and Shirvans, but never used in
Tliia piece shows the moist common form of
d the Crab
-iv-teoth.
BESHIR BOKHARA PRAYER RUG
PROPERTY OF LIBERTY & CO., LONDON, ENC.LAND
Quite dissimilar to any other form of prayer ruj? although the
niche resembles very closely that of the Meles. The designs are
unlike those used in the other Turkoman products and the color
combination is quite pleasing. This piece is evidently of some age
as the woof threads in the lower end are gone, leaving a fringe of
loose warp threads instead of a variegated webbing as on the other
end.
(See page 280)
^■j;l'}^M
THE TURKOMAN CLASSIFICATION
THC N-Vs' YORK
ASrOft, Lr-NOX AND
TlLUENfOUNOXTLONS
THE TURKOMAN CLASSIFICATION
The territory from which the so-called ' ' Turk-
oman" rugs come is that part of Central Asia
consisting of Turkestan, Eastern Turkestan and
Eussian Turkestan lying north of Persia and
Afghanistan and west of the Caspian Sea.
It comprises thousands upon thousands of
square miles and is inhabited by numerous rug-
making tribes of Nomads. The distinguishing
marks of the Turkoman products are their wide
web, their octagon and medallion designs and
their old traditional colors of predominating red
with patches of white, brown, and green. The
dyes are usually fast and the knot is always
Persian with the exception of an occasional
Yomud or Samarkand, which may be tied with the
Turkish knot. The rugs of Eastern and Russian
Turkestan are really Chinese, but geographically
should be classed with the other Turkoman prod-
ucts. Having been in the past less accessible they
are now found in relative abundance and are
therefore the least costly.
277
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
KHIVA BOKHARA
Synonym. — Afghan.
Why So Named. — After the city of Khiva, in
the province of Bokhara, from the vicinity of
which they come. The name Afghan is sometimes
used because some of the inhabitants of northern
Afghanistan contribute to the supply.
By Whom Made. — By the Kirzig tribe of
Nomads living in the province of Bokhara and
in Northern Afghanistan.
Knot. — Senna. Number vertically seven to
twelve ; number horizontally six to eight ; number
to square inch forty-two to ninety-six.
Wabp. — Dark wool or goats' hair.
Woof. — Black or gray wool or goats' hair.
Nap. — Fine lustrous wool or goats' hair of
various lengths.
Weave. — Loosely tied so that on the back it
has the appearance of the Ghiordes knot.
Sides. — Usually a wide selvage of black or
dark brown goats' hair, sometimes containing as
many as seven cords.
Ends. — Wide selvage at each end in plain red
or striped with blue lines. The long, shaggy
fringe of the loose goats' hair warp is a char-
acteristic feature.
278
■:■ .lr? .
KHIVA BOKHARA (AFGHAN) CARPET
PROPiilKTY OF PROF. DELXIAR HAWKINS
r
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC UPRARY
AS I
TILDEN y
AND
THE TURKOMAN CLASSIFICATION
BoKDEE. — From two to four narrow border
stripes, usually three.
Prevailing Coloes. — A lavish use of the Turk-
oman reds in the field with designs in blue, orange,
brown, green, and white.
Dyes. — Good in the antiques. Nearly all of
the new pieces are chemically dyed.
Designs. — The octagon is almost universally
employed and is quartered by alternating colors.
Animal forms are seldom seen. The prayer form
is also seldom found.
Prices. — $1.25 to $2.00 per square foot.
Sizes. — They are the largest of the Turkoman
rugs, being nearly always in carpet sizes and
almost square, six to nine by eight to eleven feet.
Remarks. — One of the best inexpensive rugs on
the market. Coarser and heavier than the other
Turkoman products and in damp weather they
are liable to have more or less of the smell of
goats. The Khiva is about the only antique carpet
now on the market.
THE EXAMPLES ILLUSTRATED
Knot: Senna. Ten to the inch vertically and seven
horizontally, making seventy to the square inch; unusually close
for a rug of this class.
This piece is of an unusually fine grade with a long nap
and beautiful colors. The field, like that of nearly all Khivas, is
filled with conventional octagon and diamond forms with a small
eight-pointed star between each.
279
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
Shoetell Eug (page 120). — Prayer rugs of this particular
class are extremely rare and the peculiar prayer niche in this one
is certainly most unique and unusual. Note the hands in the
two upper corners of the field. It is on these that the worshipper
is supposed to place his hands while prostrating himself in the
act of prayer.
BESHm
Why So Named. — After the words *'Bech
Schehr," meaning ^' Five Villages," being woven
in five adjoining villages west of Khiva on the
shores of the Amour Daria River in Turkestan.
Knot. — Either the Senna or the Ghiordes,
usually the former. Number vertically five to
ten; number horizontally six to twelve; number
to the square inch thirty to one hundred twenty.
Waep. — ^Wool or goat's hair.
"Woof. — Wool or goat's hair.
Nap. — Wool.
BoEDERs. — Few stripes and narrow in propor-
tion to the size of the rug. The designs are
usually Tekke in character. The reciprocal saw
teeth design is a feature.
Ends. — A fairly wide web which is usually
dyed red through which generally pass blue
stripes or strands of colored yarn. Knotted or
loose warp ends.
Sides. — A three or four corded selvage.
Prevailing Colors. — The free use of yellow
280
BESlllR BOKHARA RUG
PROPERTY OF MR. L. A. SHORTELL, BOSTON, MAS3.
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LFBRARY
TILDE N ^-^'■-• -,,->.,,
THE TURKOMAN CLASSIFICATION
is characteristic. Browns, brownish reds and blue
with very little white, as a rule.
Designs. — Those of the border are Tekke in
character while those of the field are usually com-
posed of tree motifs arranged in strips with
alternating colored background. Caucasian and
Mongol designs are commonly employed. Occa-
sionally the field is filled with Chinese cloud bands.
Sizes. — From three to eight feet in width by
five to twelve feet in length.
Pkices. — From $1.75 to $5.00 a square foot.
Remarks. — One of the rarest of the Turkoman
products. Most of those brought to this country
are antiques.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
OwNEB's Descbiption, — This rug diflfers from the Bokhara
commonly seen, as it has the Tree of Life pattern drawn in the
conventional form of the Bokhara weavers, but very artistically
done, the wool used being the very best, very silky, and the
eelvage is finished in a very workmanlike manner. It was a
skilful weaver who made this rug and it probably was nia
masterpiece. See also color plate at page 274.
TEKKE BOKHARA
Why So Named. — Because they are made by
the Tekke Turkoman tribes of Nomads, one of
the most numerous and powerful of the Turko-
man tribes, who inhabit the countiy extending
281
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
to Afghanistan on the south and Khorasan on
the west.
Knot. — Senna. Number vertically eight to
twenty-eight ; number horizontally five to twenty-
five ; number to square inch forty to four hundred.
Waep. — Splendid wool.
Woof. — Wool, dyed red or brown.
Nap. — Splendid soft, velvety, closely clipped
wool. Sometimes some goats' hair or silk.
Weave. — Eenowned for its close texture.
Sides. — Overcast in wool which is dyed the
predominating color of the rug. Occasionally
selvaged.
Ends. — A web from ten to twelve inches in
width at each end which is colored the same as
the body of the rug. This is finished with a
fringe of loose warp ends. Sometimes there are
twisted ropes at one end, showing that it was
intended for hanging. This is especially common
in the prayer Tekke.
Bordeb. — One to five border stripes, usually
three.
Designs. — Elongated octagon forms arranged
in rows alternating with rows of diamond forms
with straight lines connecting the centres of the
octagon, each of which is divided into four equal
parts. In the centre of each octagon is frequently
282
TEKKE BOKHARA RUG
BY COURTESY NAHIGIAN BROS., CHICAGO, ILL.
THE TURKOMAN CLASSIFICATION
found the eight-pointed star. Sometimes the field
is covered with octagon or the diamond forms
alone without the alternate arrangement. In the
prayer rug the field is covered with little candle-
stick patterns and divided into four sections by
a large cross, the arms of which carry designs
similar to those found in the border stripes.
Prevailing Coloes. — Ground usually of a rich
dark mahogany red with designs in blue, green,
orange, old rose, wine, and pink, with more or
less white or cream.
Dyes. — Usually good. Of late years some ani-
line has been used.
Prices. — The antiques are rather scarce and
are of good value. From $2.00 to $5.00 per square
foot.
Sizes. — Mats to carpet size. Two to eight by
three to eighteen feet. The prayer rugs are
nearly square, from four to four and one-half by
five feet.
Eemarks. — Their durability is phenomenal.
The modern pieces are vastly inferior to the
antiques. The prayer rugs differ so greatly from
the others of their class that they might almost
be arranged under a separate heading, in fact
they are separately classed by some authorities
under the name of Hardjli or Princess Bokhara.
283
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
The Armenians call them lOiatchlie Bokhara for
the reason that the bands that divide the field
into four sections form a cross, and the word
**khatchlie" in the Armenian language means a
cross. This class of rugs is growing rapidly
scarce.
THE EXAMPLES ILLUSTRATED
Page 284. This is the prayer Tekke, the so-called Hardjli,
Khatchlie or Princess Bokhara. The Greek cross divides the field
into quarters, each one of which is filled with rows of candle sticks.
The niche, the "Tekke border design" and the "Indian fish
bone" are here employed as in most prayer rugs of the class.
Page 282. In design this piece is quite characteristic of its class.
The octagon is invariably present, sometimes alone, sometimes in an
alternate arrangement with diamond forms or with smaller octagons
as in this example. Here the smaller octagons only are quartered.
The peculiar arrangement of the "fish bone" design, the wide web
and the loose warp threads at each end are also characteristic features.
Page 150. Knot: Senna. Number to the inch horizontally
sixteen, vertically eighteen, to the square inch two hundred eighty-
eight. The predominating color throughout is a beautiful terracotta.
The four diamond forms through the centre are filled with
geometrical figures in buff and terracotta upon a dark blue
ground. Of the semi-diamond forms the first and third upper and
the second lower have an old ivory background, while the second
upper and the first and third lower have a background of a most beau-
tiful buff shade. The figures on all of these are in blue, terracotta
and white. The first and third border stripes carry an S form on
the top and bottom, while on the sides they carry a form of barber-
pole stripe, all upon a dark blue background. The main border
stripe carries a peculiar rectilineal eight-petaled flower in differ-
ent colors upon an old ivory background; the loose yam ends hang-
ing alternate in red and blue every four inches. The color combi-
nation and sheen of this piece are unexcelled.
Stanton Rug (page 162). — The predominating dark mahogany
color and long thick nap, together with a touch of blue in the octa-
gons^ makes this piece most attractive. See also frontispiece.
284
wmm^"^''^^-^^
TEKKE BOKHARA PRAYER RUG
(PRINCESS BOKHARA, KHATCHLIE)
BY COURTESY OF NAHIGIAN BROS., CHICAGO, ILL.
Pii-
A' YORK
""'RARY
THE TURKOMAN CLASSIFICATION
YOMUD
Synonyms. — Yamoud, Yamut. Sometimes
called yellow or brown Bokhara.
Why So Named. — After a tribe of Nomadic
Turkomans by that name who dwell in the western
part of Turkestan on the plains along the shores
of the Caspian.
Knot. — Either the Senna or the Ghiordes.
Number vertically eight to fifteen; number hori-
zontally seven to twelve; number to square inch
fifty-six to one hundred eighty.
Warp. — Brown wool or goats' hair.
Woof. — Good wool of medium length or goats '
hair. Frequently dyed red.
Nap. — Fine wool of medium length or goats'
hair.
Sides. — A coarse selvage of two cords which
are colored in alternate squares of red and blue,
red and brown, or two shades of red, giving it a
checker-board effect.
Ends. — A wide web at each end in plain red or
with blue stripes. Frequently stripes of colored
wool are worked into the web with apparently as
much care and skill as that given to the body of
the rug. Finished with a fringe of loose warp
threads which are occasionally twisted at irregu-
lar intervals.
285
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
Border. — There are usually three border
stripes, one medium sized one with a narrow one
on each side. The barber-pole stripe, the recip-
rocal saw-teeth, and the latch hook variations are
the predominating border designs.
Prevailing Colors. — Ground almost invari-
ably of a rich brownish red which is softer and
deeper in tone than that of the Khivas and Tekkes.
Figures in drab, blue, green, and yellow.
Dyes. — Usually the best.
Designs. — The tribal patterns show great indi-
viduality and combine the Turkoman octagon
with many of the Caucasian designs. A common
arrangement is that of octagons and elongated
diamond forms in alternate rows with plenty of
latch hook variations. Very frequently the field
is covered with the diamond forms alone.
Prices. — From $0.75 to $2.50 per square foot.
Sizes. — Seldom smaller than five by eight or
larger than eight by eleven feet.
Eemarks. — They resemble the Bokharas in
some respects and the Caucasian products in
others. About the only antique, in carpet sizes,
now found in the market.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
Maj. L. B. Lawton's Description. — This weave is the
rarest of the Turkomans. So rare is it that Mr. Mumford in his
article in the Century Maga»ine, January, 1910, states that to his
286
YOMUD RUG
Size5'7"X4'4"
PROPERTY OF COLONEL GEORGE G. BRIGGS GRAXU RAPIDS. MICH.
THE NCW YORK
PIl^l r ! f'-'RARY
■ OXAUE)
TILDEN Kr'UNDATIONS
?•. L
THE TURKOMAN CLASSIFICATION
knowledge no bales of antique Yomuds had been imported for
seven years. Nearly all Yomuds have the cross pattern, are
usually deeper in tone than their cousins the prayer Bokharas,
and lack the little niche. Yomuds are silkier than prayer Bokha-
ras, and have the color of the Delaware grape. This specimen has
an unique pattern as a panel across the end, otherwise it is
typical. Yomuds adhere more closely to their type than do
any other weave.
KASHGAR
Why So Named. — After the city of Kashgar,
a city of Eastern Turkestan which enjoys a great
caravan trade and is one of the richest markets
in Central Asia.
Knot. — Senna. Number vertically five to
nine ; number horizontally four to seven ; number
to square inch twenty to sixty-three.
Warp. — Coarse cotton.
Woof. — Four-stranded cotton.
Nap. — Wool of medium length, frequently part
silk.
Weave. — Coarse and poorly tied.
SroES. — An added yam selvage.
Ends. — Selvage of varying lengths with a
fringe of loose warp threads at each end.
Boeder. — Chinese in character. Swastika
border common.
Prevah^ing Colors. — Usually strong yellow,
blue, red, pink, green, and orange with white or
old ivory. Pale terracotta is common.
287
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL, RUGS
Dyes. — Good as a rule.
Designs. — Cliinese in character. Generally
fretted grounds or trellis covered with figures of
bats, butterflies, cranes, dragons, fish, and trees.
The knot of destiny is very commonly employed.
Peices. — $1.00 to $3.00 per square foot.
Sizes. — From three to six by six to twelve feet.
Remarks. — Not very many found in the
markets.
YARKAND
Why So Named. — After a city of that name in
Eastern Turkestan, in the vicinity of which they
are made.
Knot. — Senna. Number vertically five to
nine ; number horizontally four to seven ; number
to square inch twenty to sixty-three.
Warp. — Coarse wool or cotton.
Woof. — Coarse wool or cotton. Generally four
strands between each row of knots.
Nap. — Coarse wool of medium length, some-
times more or less silk.
Sides. — A selvage of two cords.
Ends. — Web of varying lengths with loose
warp threads at each end.
Border. — Usually three border stripes, one of
medium width with a narrow one on each side.
288
HAVING A POT OF TEA AT BOKHARA
A STREET IN SAMARKAND
THE TURKOMAN CLASSIFICATION
As a rule the borders are small in proportion to
the size of the rug. The swastika border design
is commonly employed.
Prevailing Colors. — Resemble those of the
Bokhara with a field of rich brownish reds. Some-
times the field is of tan color. The designs may be
in blue, red, green, yellow, pink, and terracotta.
Designs. — Resemble those of the Bokhara and
Kashgar. Fretted grounds with figures of ani-
mals, dragons, bats, butterflies, circles, and octa-
gons. A common design is the arrangement of
four dragons in the form of a swastika.
Prices.— $0.75 to $2.50 per square foot.
Sizes.— From three to six by six to twelve feet.
Remarks. — Quite similar to the Kashgar. The
modern ones are not attractive.
SAMARKAND
Synonym. — The trade name of ''Malgaran" is
given to an inferior grade.
Why So Named.— After the city of Samar-
kand, a city of Western Turkestan in the valley
of Zarab-Shan, one hundred miles east of Bok-
hara, which was once the centre of learning in
Asia, having had several universities there.
Where Made. — In the vicinity of Samarkand.
Knot. — Nearly always the Senna, seldom the
19 289
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
Ghiordes. Number vertically five to seven;
number horizontally six to ten ; number to square
inch thirty to seventy.
Warp. — Wool, cotton or silk, usually dyed blue
or yellow.
Woof. — In the antiques cotton or wool. In
the moderns cotton. Like the Kazaks there are
three or four woof threads between each row of
knots.
Nap. — Good, heavy, loose, lustrous wool.
Sometimes silk or a mixture of silk and wool.
Weave. — Loosely woven.
SmES. — Antiques have a narrow selvage added
sometimes with two colors like the Yomuds.
Modern pieces are overcast.
Ends. — Similar to those of the Turkoman
products. Wide web with fringe of loose or
twisted warp threads.
Border. — From three to five border stripes,
usually three. The inner border usually carries
the Greek meander, the outer one floral designs
and the middle one figures corresponding to the
central designs. The undulating \ane and lotus
pattern are frequently used.
Prevailing Colors. — Field usually blue, red,
or golden brown. Bokhara reds and yellows are
lavishly used.
290
SAMARKAND RUG
PROPERTY OF MR. A. U. DILLET
L
THE TURKOMAN CLASSIFICATION
Dyes. — Of the best.
Designs. — There are usually five medallions
(circles of happiness), one at each corner of the
field and one in the centre bearing some dragons,
animal, or floral forms. Very little trace of Per-
sian, Turkish, or Caucasian influence; Mongolian
characteristics predominate with some trace of
Turkoman. Chinese fret, swastika, dragon, fish,
and floral forms.
Sizes. — From three to nine by nine to fifteen
feet.
Prices. — Antiques rare and costly, moderns
from $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot.
Remarks. — The moderns are much inferior to
the antiques. They are suitable for library and
hall use.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
Although made in Russian Turkestan, Samarkand weavings
are Chinese in every respect.
This particular piece displays three round medallions or
circles of happiness, also butterflies and various Chinese plant
forms. The first and third border stripes are composed of one
of the Chinese lotus bud border designs, while the central stripe
consists of the swastika fret.
291
DAGHESTAN PRAYER RUG
Size, 4'8''X4'2".
BY COURTESY OF NAHIGIAN BROS., CHICAGO, ILL.
Owners' Description. — In all the rugs that we have im-
ported from the Caucasian provinces we do not recollect having
seen one with a finer texture than this Daghestan. It has as man}-
knots to the square inch as the finest Kashan rugs, which, as is
well understood, are the finest products of the Persian looms.
The "barber pole" stripes in the border, the reciprocal Van
Dyke design, and the " wine glass " figure in the widest border are
all characteristic designs found in Caucasian rugs. Even the niche
is similar to other Daghestan praj^er rugs. But we see at once
Persian influences in the field of the rug.
The "flame" design as it is called here, which is in reality a
variation of the familiar "river loop" or "El-Ayassi" pattern,
and which is distinctly a Persian figure, is here used throughout
the field. As if to emphasize the theory that the flame, which
the early Persians worshipped, is represented by this design, each
individual figure is made to give off rays of light and warmth.
Another interesting and noticeable feature in this rug is that
while in Persian fabrics like the Sereband, where this or a very
similar design is used, the figures are almost all exactly alike,
whereas here they differ considerably and no two are alike in
detail.
(See page 254)
THE WCW YORK
PUBLIC ! f;-';^ARY
'II:-
THE BELUCHISTAN RUGS
.' )■ : ■
BELUCHISTAN RUG
BY COURTESY OF HARDWICK & MAGEE COMPANY, PHILADELPHIA
The geometrical or mosaic design is of secondary importance to
one who studies this rug. All of the attention is claimed by the
charm of the deep mahogany coloring.
The deUghtful sheen of the Angora wool contributes no small
share toward makiiis: it a most desirable furnishing.
fC;
?«•*:■;».
THE KCV;
YORK
PUBLIC ' •
■■■'ARY
AS!
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L
THE BELUCHISTAN RUGS
Beluchistan is a vast, wild and momitamous
country extending from Kirman to India and from
Afghanistan to the South Arabian Sea, partly
under Persian rule and partly under the protec-
tion of Great Britain. It has an area of
about 146,000 square miles with but 800,000 popu-
lation. The capital, Kelat, has a population of
15,000. The inhabitants are principally Nomad
tribes of primitive habits and of the Mohammedan
faith. The rugs of Beluchistan are taken way
across Afghanistan to Bokhara to be marketed.
On this account and also because of their great
likeness to the Turkoman products they are classi-
fied as such by several prominent writers. Like
the latter they invariably have a wide web at each
end, usually with a woven design. The colors and
designs are similar to those of the Turkoman class
and the dyes are good, but nowadays unwashed
ones are extremely scarce.
295
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
BELUCHISTAN
Synonyms. — Baloocli, Baloochee, Bilooz, Bi-
louclie, etc. Sometimes wrongly called "Blue
Bokhara."
By Whom Made. — By the Nomadic tribes of
Beluchistan and by Beluches residing in Afghan-
istan and Eastern Persia.
Knot. — Always Senna. Number vertically six
to ten ; number horizontally five to twelve ; number
to square inch thirty to one hundred twenty.
Waep. — Usually wool, frequently goats' hair.
Woof. — Always dark wool.
Nap. — Fine, long, compact, lustrous wool,
goats' and camels' hair.
Sides. — Overcast or selvaged, usually with
goats' or horses' hair.
Ends. — Wide ornamented selvage with loose
or twisted warp ends. Often a row of colored
yarns run through the web.
Boeder. — From three to four border stripes,
usually one wide one and two narrow ones.
Prevailing Colors. — Usually dark reds and
dark browns with a sprinkling of white. Tan is
frequently employed in the field and is generally
the undyed camel's hair.
296
BELUCHISTAN RUG
Size6'8"X3'4"
(Without the webbing, which is one foot long at each end)
(MINA KHANI DESIGN)
FROM THE COLLECTION OF THE AUTHOR
THE JVEW YORK
TILDEX >■■:•!; N'UATIONS
^ L
THE BELUCHISTAN RUGS
Designs. — Geometrical devices, hexagons, octa-
gons, etc. Occasionally stiff floral patterns.
Sizes. — Mostly small, two to seven by three to
eleven feet.
Cost.— From $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot.
Remarks. — One of the last rugs to be affected
by outside influences. Although scarcely any
chemical dyes are used, the ''doctoring" process
has been adopted so that nowadays an unwashed
Beluchistan is a scarce article. The modern ones
are inferior to the antiques, although all wear
well.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
Knot: Senna. Eight to the inch vertically and thirteen
horizontally, making one hundred eight to the square inch.
The centre field of darlc blue is covered with the Mina Khani
design, which, being a Kurdish design, is seldom found in
Beluchistan products. The two narrow border stripes in white
are of the Greek key design upon a background of dark brown,
while the main border stripe consists of rectilineal vines and
flowers arranged similarly to the Herati border design upon a
varying backgroiind of light and dark Turkoman red. The
webbing at each end is covered with fine designs and stripes
and in several places are talismanic tufts of wool.
CHINESE RUGS
.vTiD pji? • /.v/aiTaO'j 'lo YeaTHtTpD ya
-OTJoM 9dl oi ruisioM inoq-ioiq .L /(l/! •)ii;I ^a'i ^^d L^tnoRofl
h(U5 snpinii y-iov A .vttO ilioY W9?l ,.nA lo rauoauM n*.iil..q
I'li fcsui .(Ijso') I>nfi Ij^Jeicfsbr) t?,oni siii lo ono ^l ilj. .a'ioiq.hnttiJByd
-aogBib e<iOiudO i>y//£h) avii sriJ bits -diwii^d byofa sdT .BJ.hsmA
.391^ 9K-jiiiriO 9ff,t yd iri b'jra/^.il SIS
1 iOEssfiq !)9h}
CHINESE RUG
Size, 23' X 24'
BT COURTESY OF COSTIKYAN <fc CO., NEW YORK CITY.
Presented by the late Mr. J. Pierpont Morgan to the Metro-
pohtan Museum of Art, New York City. A very unique and
beautiful piece. It is one of the most celebrated and costly rugs in
America. The cloud bands and the five clawed Chinese dragons
are framed in by the Chinese fret.
(See page 301)
p
CHINA
CHINESE RUGS.
It is practically witliin the last decade or so
that the artistic merits of the Chinese rugs have
been fully appreciated. Previous to that time
they were promptly laid aside to make place for
the other Oriental weaves. A few wise connois-
seurs were in the meantime securing all the
choice pieces available and some have made them-
selves independently wealthy by their sagacious
forethought. At the present time Chinese rugs
are eagerly sought and treasured more than those
of any other class, good ones bringing fabulous
prices.
To illustrate the rapid advance in the value of
choice pieces the writer will relate one incident
out of many similar ones which to his knowledge
have occurred.
About eighteen years ago a wealthy horseman
301
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
of Central New York died leaving a stable wluch,
together with its furnishings, was worth many
thousands of dollars. Sometime after his death
the furnishings were sold at public auction.
Among the articles thus disposed of was a Chinese
rug 10 X 12 which was bid in by a New York man
for $150.00. Two years ago it was resold for
$25,000.
Excluding those of recent make, Chinese rugs
are of good workmanship and honest dyes, the
weavers being little influenced by modern ideas,
consequently they are durable and, on account of
their original Mongolian designs, can easily be
distinguished from the other Oriental products.
Unfortunately, on account of the growing scarcity
of wool in China and on account of foreign in-
vasion, the rug industry seems to be dying out.
The classification of Chinese rugs is a difficult
matter, in fact anything like an accurate classifica-
tion is impossible even for a connoisseur for they
cannot be assigned to the different provinces by
the finish of their sides and ends as are the other
Oriental weaves, but the classification must de-
pend mostly upon the colors, materials and work-
manship, which were in vogue at certain periods,
as well as the effect of time upon these colors
and materials.
302
CHINESE RUGS
Those which reach our own shores are gener-
ally divided into three classes according to the
districts from which they came, namely, Pekin,
Tientsin and Thibet, the latter being practically
Chinese although not geogi'aphically so. The
above are named in order of their excellence, the
finest pieces, as a rule, coming from northern
China.
Unlike other Oriental textiles those of China
may be interestingly classified according to the
symbolism of their designs, thus we may have the
longevity rug in which are depicted the crane, the
stork, the deer, or the tortoise, all of which are
symbols of longevity. The literary rug is deco-
rated with books, ink stands, pencils, brushes,
scrolls, and sceptres. The bat, the gourd, the
circle of happiness, and the shou denote happi-
ness; the dragon, the lion, the phoenix, and the
sword authority and power; the swastika, the
knot of destiny, the swallow, and the magpie are
symbols of good luck, while in the religious rugs
are found the rosary, the incense burner and
various altar implements.
The Chinese weaver is fond of filling every
available space with objects with which he comes
in daily contact, thus among the animate things
may be mentioned butterflies, dogs, doves, ducks
303
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
and swans. Among the inanimate things are
vases, chess boards, jars, stands, baskets, wheels,
ribbons, shells, pots and plates, while among the
flowers are the peony, the primrose, the peach,
the magnolia and tea blossom, the lotus, the
orchid, the chrysanthemum, the sun flower and
the aster.
There are seven designs, which on account of
the great frequency with which they are used, are
worthy of special mention. Named in order of
their employment, they are the circle of happiness,
the Chinese fret, the swastika, the butterfly, the
bat, the shou, and the dragon.
The circle of happiness which is found in
nearly all classes of Chinese rugs is a circle or
ovoid within which are worked various Mongolian
designs. The Chinese, or Greek fret, as it is
sometimes called, is a border design suggested
by the overlapping of the sea waves and is found
in fully two-thirds of the Chinese products. The
swastika needs little explanation other than the
statement that for centuries it has symbolized
good luck to many tribes in distant parts of the
world. Butterflies, symbols of vanity, are fre-
quently found intermingled with flowers or bats,
the latter being symbolic of happiness. The shou,
which stands for prosperity, has nearly a hundred
304
CHINESE RUGS
different forms, many of which are similar in
shape to the Egyptian scarab. The dragon, the
Chinese symbol for sovereignty, always has five
claws, unlike the Japanese dragon, which has but
three. It is frequently represented as holding or
looking towards a round object, the so-called
** chin " or jewel.
The materials from which the Chinese make
their rugs are practically the same as are used
in the other rug making countries with perhaps
the exception that the wool varies more in quality,
being on an average considerably coarser than
that of Persia or Anatolia. The Chinese also
employ considerable hair, which in appearance
very much resembles that of a cow. Eugs made of
this hair are known as Yak rugs.
Chinese weaving differs little from that of
other parts of the Orient. Both the Senna and the
Ghiordes knots are employed, most frequently
the former, but the appearance is different on
account of the size and looseness of the warp and
pile yarn, which, in many instances, makes it
impossible for the weaver to tie over eight to ten
knots to the square inch. During the early part
of the eighteenth century, designs were frequently
made to stand out in relief by cutting somewhat
shorter the wool around them.
20 305
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
Chinese designs are characteristic and inter-
esting, being similar to those found in the old
Chinese porcelains. As a rule they are simple,
with little detail and are outlined with a con-
trasting color. No family or tribal designs are
employed as in the other rug making countries.
Each rug being usually the work of one weaver,
both in design and execution, it is frequently
symbolic of his creed.
During the 16th and 17th centuries the
majority of Chinese rugs had a field of solid color
or were covered with the trellis design. They also
had but few narrow border stripes, either in plain
colors or carrying simple geometric designs, but
about the middle of the 18th century, they began
to show Persian influence, floral patterns being
adopted especially for the borders.
Like the designs, the colors employed by the
weavers are quite similar to those used in the old
porcelains. As a rule, they are dull, warm and
harmonious, but few shades being used in the
same piece.
The colors and shades most frequently used
in Chinese rugs, named in order of their employ-
ment, are dark blue, yellow, light blue, apricot,
ivory white, dark brown, cream, old red, tan,
fawn, robin's egg blue, green, fruit red, per-
306
ihd/-l!-
.nov. iifip 33n{oW 'Jo ■mmi- -d ii i/:iit vTiufl o8 h^
v}lli>: ■p.noi 1. 'o Y19Y ii vil'iJJijobifii fcf 'ji)'ii(j suir
noilljibpxii Ij: -t!i .!.n;;.mj ouM 03-,vu.'iy {(Sd!^ i/jiv.
KjK ur ■uai^^ x^i
> * •
».iA<„». iiJl^i
ituiid in the old
y are simple,
Outlined with a con-
tribal designs are
making countries.
ANTIQUE CHINESE CUSHION iiu6 ^^^ "weaver,
Size 2' 2" X 2' 2' '"'^^ ^^" ^^ frequently
FROM THE COLLECTION OF TBfE AUTHOR
Knot: Senna. Eight to the inch horizontally and six verti-
cally, making only forty-eight to the square inch, but the pile wool
is so fluffy that it has the appearance of being quite closely woven.
This piece is undoubtedly a very old one. It has a long silky ,c..
pile with deep Chinese blue ground, displaying a central medallion, .
of floral forms, frets and swastikas woven in soft red, yellow, drab-'"n
and white. Also corner motifs in similar colors, all of which is ^,
framed by three harmonious borders, an inner band consisting of '-^
white dots on a blue background; the main border stripe composed ,
of graceful floral scrolls and blossoms in yellow, light blue, drab, red^^^
and white on a blue ground, and the other border of plain blue, wpirj^
(See page oOl)
; -loyed by the
those used in the old
■' are dull, warm and
'-ir^nfr T!^pr? in the
^uuuu; used
racr employ-
'■ "icot,
d, tan,
i, per-
THE
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YORK
■ :-;Y
AS
.' AND
til:
jATlOiNS
n
'-
CHINESE RUGS
simmon red, ash white, sapphire blue, peach blow,
salmon pink, brownish red, brick red, greenish
yellow, turquois blue, copper pink, and black.
The different shades are of considerable assist-
ance to the connoisseur in estimating the age of a
rug, for instance, robin's egg blue, golden brown,
and tan were mostly in vogue during the 17th cen-
tury, and during that period, green and lemon
citron, greenish and reddish yellows were never
employed.
THE EXA^IPLES ILLUSTRATED
Three color plates of these attractive rugs are given, with
accompanying descriptions (see pages 300, 306 and 318).
GHILEEMS, SILKS, AND FELTS
GHILEEMS, SILKS, AND FELTS
GHILEEMS
Also spelled Gileem, Gilim, Khilim, Kilim,
Killim. A pileless rug which is made by binding
a dyed weft thread around the warp threads by
means of a shuttle or needle, making the fabric
alike on both sides and leaving open spaces be-
tween the warp threads where the changes of
color are made. This is the primitive mode of
weaving and requires much more skill than does
the pile method. Ghileems are woven at the
present day more than ever all over the Cau-
casus, Anatolia, Kurdistan, Persia, and in some
parts of Turkestan. Those which are found in
the Western markets come mostly from Csesarea,
Senna, Shirvan, Kurdistan, and Merve.
As a rule each variety adopts the designs and
colors which are in vogue in the particular locality
from which they come, but frequently the border
stripes do not extend around the whole fabric as
is almost invariably the rule with the pile carpets.
By the Oriental the Ghileems have been used as
floor coverings from the earliest times; by the
Occidental they are used almost exclusively as
311
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
portieres, couch covers, and table spreads. As a
rule, they are sold in the Orient by weight, and,
like most of the other textiles, have of late years
not been extremely free from outside influences.
SENNA GHILEEM
Senna Ghileem is the finest quality of Ghi-
leem produced, being much finer in texture than
any of the other Ghileems. As a rule they have
small intricate patterns, with an opening at each
change of color, in fact they are exact duplicates
of the Senna pile rugs in design and have the same
finish on the sides and ends. The Herati design is
commonly used in the field but seldom in the
border. In sizes they vary from three and one-
half to four and one-half by five and one-half to
seven feet, seldom larger or smaller.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
The main border stripe carries a meandering vine with a
pear-shaped leaf at each turn and on either side of it is a narrow
stripe consisting of floral forms which are connected by leaves
arranged in the form of a meander.
ANATOLIAN GHILEEM
Anatolian Ghileems are, as a rule, light in
weight and coarse in texture, with many open
spaces and with bold geometrical Turkish designs
and bright colors. They are made of good wool
312
-O'^ --'*,,- <r» <•'' ^
SENNA GHILEEM
(HERATI DESIGN)
PBOPERTY' OF A. U. DILLEY 4 CO.
THE ^'i:v
PUB) '^ ■
V YORK
^■■""ARY
ASrOK, Lr.
TILDSN fOU
.-> o A A i\ D
NDATIONS
L
GHILEEMS, SILKS, AND FELTS
and are finished with a fringe at each end. As a
rule they can be distinguished by their prayer
niche or by a seam through the centre, the larger
sizes, which do not come in the prayer design,
usually being made by sewing two long, narrow
pieces together.
KIS GHILEEM
Kis Ghileem, which means ^'girl rug," are
Turkish Ghileem s made by the Mohammedan girls
for their suitors, it being a Turkish custom for a
girl, as soon as she becomes engaged, to weave
one of these rugs to present to her future husband
in order to show the quality of her handiwork;
therefore, being judged to a certain extent by the
grade of her weaving, she naturally does her best.
For this reason many of the so-called Kis Ghileems
are of excellent workmanship. They carry typical
Turkish designs and are finished with a fringe at
each end. In size they vary from two and one-half
to seven by four to fifteen feet, the smaller sizes
usually being of the prayer style, while the larger
ones are made of two parts sewed together, little
care being taken to make the patterns of the two
pieces match well. Frequently we will find small
tufts of wool, beads or a lock of the weaver's hair
attached to the warp threads as a talisman.
313
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
SHIRVAN GHILEEM
Shirvan Grhileems are always recognized by
their designs, which are like those of no other
Ghileem, being composed of numerous stripes run-
ning across the whole width of the rug and cov-
ered with geometrical devices similar to those of
the Daghestan. These stripes are from eight to
twelve inches wide with narrow plain blue, green,
or red stripes between. They are nearly always
woven in one piece and of good wool, but are heavy
and coarse, with large openwork spaces. In size
they vary from three to eight by six to twelve feet,
the average being five by nine feet.
KURDISH GHILEEM
Kurdish Ghileems, like other Kurdish rugs,
rank among the best of their class, being made of
the finest of wool and closely woven. They usually
consist of two or more pieces sewed together or
joined by embroidered geometrical designs and
many yarn ends are left loose on the under side,
giving a shaggy appearance like the under side of
the Shemaklia rugs. In this respect they are
unlike any of the other Ghileems. The colors are
as a rule subdued, dark shades of crimson, blue,
yellow, and green, with more or less black and
314
A*
r j, ' .;.K— ' -^^T-,. ' i; ' ^-
A?r
AT AT;
i^j^feeg^£^^^^^^
KURDISH GHILEEM
BY COURTESY OF NAHIGIAN BROS., CHICAGO, ILL.
THE Ni/A' YORK
PUBlX-li3RARY
AS '. AND
1 1 L D-c. N / :? 'J .N ^J AT ION S
GHILEEMS, SILKS, AND FELTS
white. The prayer design is frequent, with a niche
like that of the Ghiordes. The ends are finished
with a web upon which an attractive design is
woven or through which runs a parti-colored
thread similar to that in other Kurdish rugs. The
antiques are very scarce. In sizes they vary from
four to six by seven to twelve feet.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
This is one of two strips which were originally sewed
together like many of the Ghileems of this class. The pre-
dominating colors are green, red, dark brown and white. Each
end is finished with a short web and braided warp threads. It
also has many loose yarn ends on the back side, which is a
characteristic feature of the Kurdish Ghileems.
MERVE GHILEEM
Merve Ghileems are made in the vicinity of
Merve, in the Turkoman district. They differ from
all other Ghileems in that the colors are divided
diagonally instead of vertically or horizontally
with the warp or woof threads. For this reason
no open spaces are left. The colors are few and
subdued, white especially being seldom used, and
in design they are most modest, the field as a rule
being divided transversely into three or four parts
by ornate line patterns resembling in some re-
spects the Kurdish Ghileems. They frequently
315
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
come in prayer form with designs less striking
than those of the Kurdish Ghileems and strongly
resembling those of the Beluchistan. Some are of
great size.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
One of two strips which were originally sewed together.
Like many of its class the field of this piece is divided trans-
Tersely into a number of stripes, each about a foot wide. Each
stripe is of a different color, being tan, green, white and brown,
and the whole field is covered with a trellis of serrated latch
hook designs in red, the divisions of which contain diamond
forma in different colors. There is a short web at each end,
one with loose warp threads and the other knotted.
SILK RUGS
Silk rugs were first made in China and after>
wards in Anatolia and Northern Persia, where
silk is produced in great quantities. They were
formerly made for mosques, for royalty, or for
very rich people, expert weavers being hired for
the occasion and the material being furnished by
the one who ordered the work done.
Fine silk rugs are unsurpassed in beauty, rich,
exquisite coloring, and rare sheen, but they have
never been practical as floor coverings; first,
because they require such luxurious surround-
ings, and second, because the wearing quality of
silk does not compare with that of wool.
The genuine Persian silk rugs are getting
scarce and almost priceless. Strange as it may
316
MERVE GHILEEM KURDISH GHILEEM
Size 10'X2'8" Size lo'4"X2'6"
PROPERTY OF MR. JOSEPH SHEHADI
^H£ l^EW YORK
GHILEEMS, SILKS, AND FELTS
seem, few of these pieces have been sought by
either the museums or collectors of America.
Those made at Kashan in Northern Persia are
the best of the present day products. As a rule
they are made entirely of silk having a narrow
web and a fringe of loose warp threads at each end
and with beautiful shades of red, rose, turquoise,
old ivory, and green.
In Persia they sell for from $10.00 to $15.00
per square foot and in the United States for from
$15.00 to several hundred dollars a square foot.
A much cheaper and a purely commercial
product comes from Kaisarieh or Caesarea, in Asia
Minor. These, as a rule, have a cotton warp and
weft and are copied after the old Persian and
Ghiordes designs, especially the so-called
''Mosque design" with the hanging lamp. These
rugs are undesirable in color, dyes and workman-
ship and are invariably worth much less than the
prices asked for them. The great majority of
them can be detected by the direction in which
the pile runs, it being inclined towards the top
instead of towards the bottom.
It is easy to go astray in the purchase of silk
rugs on account of the numerous mercerized and
wool silk imitations, many of them not even being
hand-tied but machine made.
317
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
FELT RUGS
Felt rugs are made to a certain extent in
nearly every part of Persia, but chiefly at Ispahan,
Astrabad, and Yezd. They are made of wool,
goats' hair or camels' hair or of a combination of
two or all of these substances, according to the
color desired. As no dyes are employed and the
finished product is the same in color as that of
the materials used, they are usually gray, white
or buff, most frequently the latter. The material
is matted together by being pounded, occasionally
sprinkled with water in which rapeseed-oil cakes
have been soaked for a long time, and then
pounded more until it becomes compact and solid.
The finished product varies in thickness from
three-quarters of an inch to three inches and is as
soft and pliable as cloth, but too heavy for expor-
tation, consequently few come to Western markets.
In the Orient they are used as floor coverings on
top of which ordinary pile carpets are placed. In
this country they have been used in bedrooms,
also as a covering for dining tables, and as silence
cloths, but they will not stand the wear of chairs
and are an easy mark for moths. They can be
purchased for from $7.00 to $10.00 per yard.
318
AHAiaiMxiyii
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INDO-ISPAHAN RUG le material
IN THE COLLECTION OF MR. JAMES F. BALLABD, ST. LOUIS, M&
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CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO
THEIR INTENDED USE
CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO
THEIR INTENDED USE
PRAYER RUGS (NAMAZLIK)
In all ages fine rugs have been used for reli-
gious purposes by the faithful followers of the
prophet. Every Mohammedan has his prayer rug,
more or less valuable according to his means,
which he always carries with him and upon which
he prostrates himself five times a day when the
appointed hour for prayer arrives.
By means of a small compass he spreads his
rug so that the mihrab or niche points towards
Mecca, where Mohammed's body lies. Then after
removing all jewelry and money from his person,
in order to appear before God in the most abject
humility, he combs his beard, produces a rosary
of ninety-nine beads and a dried cake of earth
which came from Mecca. These he places just
under the niche and then, resting his head on the
earth with his hands outstretched on either side,
he performs his devotions.
The mihrab or niche on which the worshipper
places his head represents the door of a mosque
21 321
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
and reminds those who use it of the sacred mosque
at Mecca.
Occasionally prayer rugs will be found with
three or more niches, especially among the Cau-
casian products. These are intended for children
or for family worship. Others may have instead
of a prayer niche, three small medallions, one
each for the hands and one to receive the forehead.
For convenience the prayer rug is of small size,
usually from two and one-half to four by four to
six feet. Those intended for personal use fre-
quently have the name of the owner on and are of
the very best workmanship. Combs and other
objects used in the act of worship are frequently
depicted in or near the prayer niche.
The prayer niche takes various forms in differ-
ent kinds of rugs, seldom more than one class
having the same form. As a rule that of the Per-
sians is formed by curved lines, while all others
are formed by straight lines, those of both the
Persian and Turkish classes being pointed, while
those of the Caucasian and Turkoman classes may
either be pointed or flat at the top, usually the
latter.
In differentiating between these different
classes we are assisted not only by the shape of
the mihrab, but also by the various field designs,
322 I
^nr
10
■2
13
14
IS
/Xr^AA^A
Ml III
21
22
23
24
23
26
r\f^
27
28
Z9
30
VARIOUS FORMS OF THE PRAYER-NICHE IN RUGS
1.
Persian
11.
Kulah
21.
Konieh and Meles
2.
Persian
12.
Kulah
22.
Ladik
3.
Persian and Konieh
13.
Kulah
23.
Ladik
4.
Meshed and Saruk
14.
Ghiordes
24.
Kaisariyeh
5.
Tabriz
15.
Ghiordes
2.5.
Bergama, Genghis, Daghe*
6.
Kirman
16.
Ghiordes
Stan, Bokhara
7.
Kirman
17.
Ghiordes
26.
Bergama
8.
Kirman and Kulah
18.
Anatolian
27.
Meles
9.
Herez and Kulah
19.
Anatolian
28.
Meles
10.
Kulah
20.
Konieh
29.
Daghestan and Kazak
30. Kazak and Beluchistan
CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO USE
such for instance as the panels above and below
the prayer field, the lanterns or pendants which
hang from the centre of the niche, etc.
Single Panels. — When only one panel is used
it is invariably above the prayer field. The Kulah
nearly always has but one, the Anatolian gen-
erally, and the Ghiordes seldom.
Double Panels. — The Ghiordes nearly always
has two, the Bergama generally, and the Kulah
seldom.
Hanging pendants are always present in the
Kaisarieh, frequently in the Ghiordes, and seldom
in the Kulah.
Pillars are always present in the Kaisarieh,
frequently in the Kulah, and only occasionally in
the Ghiordes.
Plain prayer fields (excepting the lamp) are
most frequent in the Turkish rugs.
Filled prayer fields are invariably present in
the Caucasian and Turkoman rugs and generally
in the Persians.
HEARTH RUGS (ODJAKLIK)
Hearth rugs may be distinguished by the shape
of their field, each end of which resembles the
niche of the prayer rugs belonging to the same
class They are usually from three and one-half
323
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
to four by five to seven feet and are very precious
to the family, who always spread them before the
fire upon the arrival of a guest, and once a fugi-
tive, fleeing from his enemies, enters a tent and
sets his foot upon the hearth rug, the owner and
his people were bound to defend him.
GRAVE RUGS (TURBEHLIK)
Grave rugs are usually the combined handi-
work of all the members of the household and, in
accordance with an ancient custom, are used to
cover the dead before interment and the grave
after interment, having practically the same
import as flowers do with us. They are usually
woven in sombre tints to express grief and in
light colors to denote resurrection. The cypress
tree, which is symbolic of sorrow, is usually the
leading feature of the design and there are gen-
erally some inscriptions from the Koran.
DOWRY OR WEDDING RUGS (KIS GHILEEM)
Dowry or wedding rugs are woven by the
Eastern maiden for her dowry. They are usually
small in size and are seldom seen in America, as
they are always greatly prized by the Oriental.
A more definite description of them will be found
under the heading of Ghileems.
324
■- 1 - -'Y
SADDLE CLOTH, 8ADDLE BAGS AND POWDER BAG
THE JS'EW YORK
CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO USE
MOSQUE OR MECCA RUGS
Mosque or Mecca rugs are sometimes called
Tribute rugs. The wealthy Mohammedan rulers
vied with each other in taking with them on their
pilgrimage to Mecca rugs of the finest materials
and choicest designs for presentation to the
mosque, the whole interior of which was usually
hung with carpets, beautiful and costly beyond
description. Many of these so-called mosque rugs
were of the Shiraz class. It is still the custom
in some parts of the Orient to give rugs to the
mosque as thank offerings for special blessings
received and frequently the Mohammedan be-
queaths a rug when he dies to the mosque where
he worshipped.
BATH RUGS (HAMMANLIK)
Bath rugs are usually about three feet square
and have a peculiar lustre due to their frequent
contact with soap and water. One of these bath
rugs is usually presented to the bride by her
parents on her wedding day.
PILLOW CASES (YESTEKLIK)
Pillow cases are known in the United States as
Anatolian mats and are described as such in the
chapter on Turkish Classification.
325
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
SAMPLE CORNERS
Sample corners are mats about two feet square
and are woven for the purpose of showing the
variation of border, color, and design to some
wealthy ruler who wishes a carpet woven. They
are afterwards used in the weaver's family and
seldom reach the market. (See p. 328.)
SADDLE BAGS (HEHBELIK)
Saddle bags always come in pieces of varying
widths, according to the kind of animal for which
they are intended. Those intended for donkeys
usually run from one to one and one-half by one
and one-half to two feet, while those intended for
horses or camels usually run from one and one-
half to two and one-half by five to six feet or more.
Those from Persia and Anatolia are usually
small and nearly square, while those from Bok-
hara and Beluchistan are usually large and oblong.
These saddle bags are quite appropriate for bach-
elor apartments, artists' studios, or smoking
rooms and are sometimes used on a suitable
standard as a newspaper or magazine receptacle.
(See illustration at p. 326.)
326
A CONVEXIEXT PERIODICAL HOLDER
(See page 212]
THE WEW YORK
CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO USE
SADDLE COVER (SEMERLIK)
Saddle covers are used by the wealthy class.
They are nearly square, ranging from two and
one-half to three by four to four and one-half feet,
and have an opening at one end for the pommel
of the saddle to pass through. The finest ones
are from Senna.
FLOOR ^COVERINGS
Sedjadeh is the Persian name applied to those
of the larger size, while Hali is the name applied
to those of medium size. Oriental carpets are of
modern make with very few exceptions, most of
them being just as well made as were the antiques,
although they show considerable deterioration in
dyes. Those which are commonly found in the
Western market are the Feraghans, Gorevans,
Hamadans, Kermanshahs, Khorasans, Kirmans,
Kurdistans, Sarabands, Sennas, Sultanabads, and
Tabriz among the Persians; the Kazaks and
Shemakhas among the Caucasians ; the Gulistans,
Oushaks, and Smyrnas among the Turkish; and
the Khivas and Yomuds among the Turkoman.
Large rugs cost more per square foot, as a rule,
than the small ones, as their size makes heavier
construction imperative and increases the diffi-
culty of weaving as well as the amount of yarn
required.
327
/
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
RUNNERS (KENNAR)
Runners properly belong to this class, as they
are used in the Orient mostly to lay along the
sides of a room. In this country they have been
found extremely convenient as hall rugs.
HANGINGS (BERDELIK)
To this class belong all of the silk rugs as
well as many of the delicately colored and ex-
tremely light fabrics, especially those that picture
gardens and portraits or have on them quotations
from the Koran. Ghileems may also be classed
under this head.
A BIJAR SAMPLE CORNER
(Showing colors, designs and different borders)
PROPERTY OF COL. A. S. LUDLOW, WANKESHA, WIS.
THE n'CvV YORK
Pir- ' ' fBRARY
A;^i (jr., L^-:sC.\ AND
TILDEN fOON'DATIONS
n L
FAMOUS RUGS
THE ARDEBIL MOSQUE CARPET
(See page 333)
THE '""■' YORK
TILDEN /(PUNDATIONS
FAMOUS RUGS
The interest in the very old weavings is not
as manifest in the American cities as in many of
the European cities, such for instance as Vienna,
London, Paris, and Berlin. This is due to several
reasons. In the first place, Europe began the
importation of Oriental textiles many years before
the United States did. In the second place, most
of the choice pieces in the United States belong
to private individuals instead of to museums, con-
sequently they are seldom, if ever, seen by the
public. In the third place, many of the European
cities, especially London and Vienna, have given
a number of public exhibitions of old rugs, while
the recent exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of
Fine Arts in New York City was the first one
ever held in the United States. At this exhibit
there were forty-seven pieces of the 14th, 15th,
16th, 17th and 18th centuries, pieces that would
compare favorably with those of any country, all
owned by private collectors in the Eastern States.
Great credit is due Dr. Wm. R. Valentiner
and his assistants for the promotion and success-
331
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
ful management of this exhibition. Let us hope
that it is but the beginning of a series of such
exhibits which will stimulate a more formal inter-
est and desire to know more about these wonderful
products of the Eastern loom.
The age of old rugs can be at least as accu-
rately determined as the age of old paintings and
in many cases even more so. According to Dr.
Valentiner the so-called Polanaise and Ispahan
rugs belong to the 17th century and the Persian
animal or hunting rugs belong to the 16th century,
while the so-called dragon rugs belong to the 15th
century. Many of the rugs from Armenia and the
eastern part of Asia Minor date back as far as the
13th and 14th centuries.
Every old rug has its individual character
manifest by its designs, colors, weave, and mate-
rial, all of which are peculiar to the time when it
was made or the locality in which it was made, so
that it can be located and dated with greater
accuracy than would be supposed.
Many early rugs were used for decorative pur-
poses in the pictures of the early Italian and
Flemish painters.
According to recognized authorities the so-
called Polish carpets were not woven in Poland
at all, but were products of Persia, and the so-
332
BERLIN DRAGON AND PHCEXIX RUG
(See page 334)
T'-'
TILDE
n
FAMOUS RUGS
called Ispahan rugs were not made at Ispahan or
even in Persia, but came from the city of Herat
in Western Afghanistan. Of the former several
hundred are still in existence, the best of which
are in the European courts and museums, about
forty being in the United States, while nearly
every collection contains one or more of the
Herats.
The Aedebil, Carpet. — Without a doubt the
most famous Oriental carpet now known is the
mosque carpet of Ardebil owned by the South
Kensington Museum in London.
It is a Persian masterpiece and was made in
1536 by one Maksoud for the Ardebil Mosque. In
size it is thirty-four and one-half by seventeen and
one-half feet and contains in the neighborhood of
32,000,000 knots, about 530 to the square inch,
and was purchased by the South Kensington
Museum for $12,500, although, if put up at auction
to-day, it would doubtless bring many times that
sum. The ground is of a rich blue and is covered
with the most intricate of old Persian floral
designs. It has a central medallion in pale yellow
with corners to match. There are three border
stripes, one wide one with a narrow one on either
side of it. The ground of the outer stripe is of a
tawny yellow with small floral designs ; the ground
333
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
of the inner stripe is cream colored and that of the
main stripe is of a rich brown with round and
elongated panels alternating and surrounded by
a profusion of floral lines. Within these panels
are to be found in Arabic the following inscrip-
tion : ' ' I have no refuge in the world other than
thy threshold; My head has no protection other
than this porch way ; The work of the slave of the
Holy place, Maksoud of Kashan." In the year
942 (which corresponds to A.D. 1536.)*
The Dragon and Phcenix Rug of the Kaiser
Frederich Museum, Berlin, is a Central Asia
Minor weave of the 14th century and is probably
the oldest existing rug that has been identified
with the representation of a similar fabric in a
painting. It was purchased for the Berlin
museum by Dr. Bode, from a church in Central
Italy on account of its resemblance to a rug in the
fresco painting representing the ** Marriage of
the Foundlings," one of the series painted by
Domenico di Bartolo in Spedale di Santa Maria
della Scala in Senna about 1440.
In design it represents a dragon and a phoenix
in deadly combat.
• In 1892 Robson «fc Sons, of London, published a monograph
on the Ardebil mosque carpet by Edward Stebbing, who describes
it ably.
334
EAST INDIAN HUNTING RUG
IN THE BOSTON MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
BT COURTESY OF MR. SIDNEY N. DEANE
(See page 335)
THE NEW YORK
PIIR],IC IJBRARY
AS. NCX AND
FAMOUS RUGS
The Austrian Royal Hunting Caepet. — Next
in prominence to the Ardebil Carpet comes the
Royal Hunting Carpet of the Austrian Imperial
and Royal Court, which is said to have been pre-
sented by Peter the Great. It is a Persian rug of
great antiquity and shows Chinese influence in the
design, which includes elaborately woven horse-
men in pursuit of deer and other animals and
winged gods in contest with lions and buffaloes.
The Indian Hunting Rug of the Boston Mu-
seum of Fine Arts is perhaps the most noted of
the forty-seven pieces which were in the recent
Metropolitan exhibit. It was made in India about
1640, is eight feet three inches long by five feet
three inches wide and contains about three hun-
dred and sixty knots to the square inch. Its pre-
dominating color is red. In the upper left-hand
corner are a couple of buildings in which are
seated in Oriental style several individuals. Be-
low these buildings are several deer, a chained
leopard in a cart drawn by a bullock, hunters, a
winged elephant, tigers, and goats, all of which
are interspersed with floral and tree forms.
There are three border stripes, the centre one of
which is the wider and carries leaf-shaped panels
containing faces. Each one of these panels is
separated by a bird and small floral forms upon
335
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
a cream-colored ground. The two narrow stripes
carry designs in light and dark blue, pink and red.
This rug was purchased at $35,000 by the late
Governor Ames of Massachusetts and presented
to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.
The Altman Prayer Eug, owned by Mr.
Benjamin Altman of New York City, was made in
North Persia about 1580. It is similar to one
which was in the Yerkes sale and to another one
which was shown at the recent Munich exhibition
of Mohammedan art. It has beautiful floral
designs with arabesques and Chinese motifs in
deep shades of red, blue, and yellow, many of the
designs being worked with light yellow or silver
thread in the ghileem style. The Mihrab is the
Persian style, from which hangs a mosque lamp
which is covered with red, yellow, and pink flowers
on a green ground. The lower part of the field
is covered with various floral and tree forms in
yellow with pink blossoms. There are two
border stripes. The inner one has a yellow
ground, the lower part of which is covered with
arabesques and the upper part with Arabic in-
scriptions in blue which read ''May the Blessing
of God rest upon them all. There is no God but
Allah (the true God) ; Mohammed is the prophet
of God. Ali is the saint of God. God the exalted
336
THE ALTMAN PRAYER RUG
BY COURTESY OF MR. BENJAMIN ALTMAN
AS 10.*,; LKNOA AND
TlLDEN /PUN&ATIONS
FAMOUS RUGS
one says : Verily God and His angel shower their
blessings upon the prophet. Oh ye faithful send
your blessings with Him, as well as offer your
salutations unto Him." The outer border has a
blue ground upon which are rounded octagons
and oblong panels in gray, the latter containing
inscriptions from the Koran in black. Size five
feet five inches by three feet three inches.
The Metropolitan Animal Rug (see illus-
tration at p. 26), from the Ardebil Mosque, was
made in Northern Persia about 1530. It was pur-
chased by the Metropolitan Museum of Art from
the Yerkes collection. On a claret colored ground
are the repeated figures of a lion, a jackal, and a
spotted deer in deadly combat. There are also
running boars amid a profusion of flowers.
There are three border stripes, a wide one with a
narrow one on either side. The former is filled
with arabesques and cloud bands in blue and pink
on a ground of dark blue. The inner stripe car-
ries a green design on a yellow ground and the
outer stripes carry a floral design on a red ground.
In size it is ten feet eleven inches long by five feet
ten inches wide and has in the neighborhood of
four hundred knots to the square inch.
The Baker Hunting Rug (see illustration
at page 338), owned by Mr. George F. Baker of
22 337
THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF ORIENTAL RUGS
New York City, is also one of the four fa-
mous mosque rugs of Ardebil. It was woven
about the middle of the 16th century; it is about
fourteen by six feet and contains upwards of five
hundred knots to the square inch. It is a harmo-
nious blending of red, blue, green, pink, brown,
old rose, cream, white, and silver, the predomi-
nating color of the field being a dark red. It has
three central medallions, one large one and a
smaller one just above and below it, with a quarter
segment of a cusped circle in each corner of the
field to match. Intermediate spaces are filled with
flowering branches, fish and animals, the latter
being worked with silver thread in the ghileem
stitch. There is one wide border stripe with a
narrow one on either side. The former has a back
of cream and carries alternately round and oblong
medallions which contain verses from the Koran
in silver.
THE BAKER HUNTING RUG
BY COURTESY OF MR. GEORGE F. BAKER
(See page 337)
THE NEW
YORK
PUB' ^•■' ' \
/'. i\ I
ASU ;-,, I--- .-.
^ A AND
TILDSN FOUNDATIONS |
R
L
GLOSSARY
GLOSSARY*
Abbashes. The name applied to an irregularity in weaving in
which the color of the groundwork in a rug is suddenly
changed, giving it the appearance of having changed weavers'
hands at that part. This is a Kurdish characteristic.
Afghan (Af-gan), see Khiva.
Afghanistan (Af-gan' is-tan). Bounded on the north by Tur-
kestan, on the south by Beluchistan, on the west by Persia,
and on the east by India. It covers about 215,444 square
miles and has a population of nearly five millions. It is
generally mountainous and the climate is severe, being hot
and dry in the summer and cold and stormy in the winter.
The government is an hereditary absolute monarchy of an
Oriental despotic type.
AiNE. A Persian word meaning an oasis or fountain. It is
sometimes used by retailers, but is not a specific trade name.
Ak Hissah (A-khis-siir'), Akhissar, Aksar, Axar. A city of
Western Anatolia, near Smyrna, with a population of 12,000.
The meaning of the name is " White Fortress." For descrip-
tion of the so-called Akhissar rug, see Turkish classification.
Aksar, see Ak Hissar.
Anatolia (An-a-to'lia). Another name for Asia Minor.
Angora (An-go'ra). Name of a province and a city, the latter
being the capital of the former with a population of 28,000.
The province is noted for the so-called Angora goats.
Abdebil (Ar-de-bel'). Name of a Persian tpwn on the west
shore of the Caspian Sea in the Azerbijan province. It is
from here that the celebrated Ardebil carpet, which is now
in the South Kensington Museum, came.
*In the Turkish and Persian languages the vowels are frequently silent and
the characters do not stand for single consonants, but represent combinations of
sounds as in short-hand, so that the same word is spelled in a great variety of
ways when it IS translated into English; therefore, the result is rathermisleading,
and each person must, to a certain extent, interpret the phonetic spelling to suit
himself.
341
GLOSSARY
Abdklajt (Ar-de-lan'). A province in Western Persia in the
Kurdish district. It furnishes the highest grade of rugs.
ABMElfiA (Ar-me' ni-a) is situated partly in Transcaucasia,
partly in Persia, and partly in Turkey in Asia. On the west
it is bounded by the Black Sea, Asia Minor, and the Taurus
Mountains; on the south by Mesopotamia, and on the east
by Persia, while on the north it extends almost to the Cau-
casian Mountains. It is a mountainous country and gives
rise to nearly all of the great rivers of Western Asia. It
is a country of special interest to the world inasmuch as it
is supposed to have been " the cradle of the human race,"
the Garden of Eden, in all probability, having been located
among its mountains near the head of the river Euphrates,
and it also contains the celebrated Mount Masis, better
kno\vn as Ararat, upon which the Ark of Noah rested when
the waters of the great flood subsided. It has an area of
more than 70,000 square miles, but the population is less
than two and one-half millions,
Asia Mince. That part of Turkey in Asia boimded on the east
by Kurdistan and Persia, on the west by the Mediterranean
Sea, on the north by the Black Sea, and on the south by
Arabia, the Mediterranean and Red Seas. It is sometimes
known as Anatolia.
AsKABAD (As-ka-bad'). A town in Persia peopled by wandering
Turkoman tribes who make numerous rugs of the usual
Persian variety. A name sometimes used by retailers, but
it has no commercial meaning. The Tekke rugs are usually
marketed at Askabad.
AXAB, see Ak Hissar.
AZERBIJAN (Az-er-bl-jan'), Azerbiajan, Aserbaijan. An agricul-
tural province in Northwestern Persia, bordering on Lake
Unimiah, of which Tabriz is the principal city. It covers
40,000 square miles and has a population of 1,000,000. Many
fine rugs come from this province.
342
GLOSSARY
Bagdad (Bag' dad). The name implies "Abode of Peace." The
name of a province and a city of Mesopotamia on the Tigris.
The province covers 54,503 square miles and has a popula-
tion of 850,000. The city has a population of 145,000 and
is a market for the products of Western Persia.
Bakhshis, Bakshaish. A small village east of Tabriz in the
Herez district. A great rug centre for the so-called Herez
rugs. See Persian classification.
Bakshaish, see Bakhshis.
Baku (Ba-ko'). The name signifies "Place of the Winds." A
province and a city. The former covers an area of 15,095
square miles and has a population of 790,000. The latter
is a port on the Caspian Sea in the heart of the Russian
petroleum district with a population of 112,000. ^Many
Caucasian rugs are marketed here. For description of the
Bo-called Baku rugs, see Caucasian classification.
Beluchistan (Be-loo' chls-tan), Baluchistan, Beloochistan, Bel-
loch. A mountainous and desert country bounded by Persia
on the west, Afghanistan on the north, India on the east,
and the Arabian Sea on the south. It has an area of
about 130,000 square miles and has a population of about
800,000. For description of the Beluehistan rug, see page
296.
Bebgama (Ber'ga-ma), Bergamo, Berghama, Pergamo. A city
in Anatolia, forty miles north of Smyrna. Pergamo was the
ancient name. For description of the so-called Bergama
rug, see Turkish classification.
BiJAB ( Be-zhar' ) . A town in Western Persia in the province of
Kurdistan. The Bijar rug is sometimes known as the
Sarakhs or Lule.
BiBJAND. The so-called Birjand rugs are woven in the village of
Daraksh, about fifty miles northeast of Birjand.
Bokhaba (Bo-kha' ra). Meaning " Treasury of Science." A city
of Russian Turkestan. It is the capital of the khanate by the
343
GLOSSARY
same name. This province has an area of 142,000 square miles
with a population of less than half. For description of
Bokhara rugs, see Turkoman classification.
Bkousa (Bro' sa), Brusa. A city in the northern part of Anatolia
near the sea of Marmora. It is the capital of the province
by the same name and has a population of 76,000.
Cabistan, see Kabistan.
C^SABEA, see Kaisariyeh.
Caeabagh, see Karabagh.
Cabian, see Meles.
Cashmere, see Shemakha.
Catechu (Kaf e-chu). A dry, brovm, astringent extract, obtained
by decoction and evaporation from the acacia catechu. From
it a brown dye is frequently obtained.
Caucasus (Kil-ka'sus). An isthmus joining Europe and Asia.
It is bounded on the west by the Black Sea, and on the east
by the Caspian Sea. The Caucasian Mountains extend
through it from its northwestern to its southeastern ex-
tremity, dividing it into two parts, Caucasia proper to the
north and Transcaucasia to the south. It has an area of
over 180,000 square miles and the population is over nine
million.
Chichi, see Tchetchen.
ClECASSlAN ( Ser-kash-an ) , see Tcherkess.
Cykus. Founder of the ancient Persian monarchy.
Daghestan ( Da' ges-tan ) . A district in Russian Caucasia on
the Caspian Sea, north of Baku. It covers 11,352 square
miles and has a population of 587,000. For description of
the so-called Daghestan rug, see Caucasian classification.
Demirdji (Da-mer'ji). Means " ironsmith " or "blacksmith."
A city of Anatolia.
Derbend (Der-benf), Derbent, meaning "a fortified gate." A
city in the province of Daghestan on the Caspian Sea. The
344
GLOSSARY
inhabitants are mostly Tartar. For description of Derbend
rugs, see Caucasian classification.
Djidjum, see Ghileem.
Djijum, see Ghileem.
Djoshaghan, see Joshaghan.
Elizabethpol. Name of a province and a fortified city, the
latter of which was formerly known as Ganga.
Enile, Inely. One of the better type of rugs woven at Oushak.
Fars (Fars), see Farsistan.
Farsistan or Faes ( Far-sis-tan' ) . A province in Northwestern
Persia with a population of 1,700,000, composed mostly of
the wandering Arabs and Kashkais, who make high-class
rugs of the softest and best dyed wool. Shiraz is the leading
town.
Feraidan. a Persian district ruled by Ispahan. The rugs made
there are woven in imitation of the Feraghan quality.
Febaghan (Fer' a-hiin). A district in Persia near Sultanabad.
For description of the so-called Feraghan rugs, see Persian
classification.
Ganga. A Caucasian city ninety miles southeast of Tiflis. Now
known as Elizabethpol.
Gakous. A district in Persia producing a good quality of rugs.
Genghis (Jen'gis), Guenja, Ganga, Guenje, Guendjie. The name
of a tribe of Nomads living in the %icinity of Elizabethpol.
Ghileem, Khilim, Killim, Kilim (Kee'-lum). Names given to a
napless rug which is woven in nearly all of the Oriental
rug-weaving countries. A full description may be found in
the chapter on Ghileems, page 311.
Guenja, see Genghis.
GiTLESTAN. Meaning " The Rose Garden," name applied to one
of the better type of rugs woven at Oushak.
Hamadan (Ha-ma-diin'), Hamadie, Hamidieh. A city in North-
western Persia, southwest of Sultanabad, with a population
of 35,000. It is the ancient Ekbatana where Esther and
345
GLOSSARY
Mordecai were buried. For description of Hamadan ruga,
see Persian classification.
Hamideh, see Hamadan.
Hakdjli, or Princess Bokhara. The name given to a rug made
by the Tekke Turkomans. It usually consists of a design of a
cross inclosed in a square.
Hebat (Hgr-af) is the capital of Afghanistan, on the Persian
border, and its principal trade is with Meshed. For descrip-
tion of Herat rugs, see Persian classification.
Hebeiz (H6'rees), Heriz, Heres. A mountainous district in
Northwestern Persia. For description of Herez rugs, see
Persian classification.
Inely, see Enile.
Irak Ajemi (E-rak' aj' ^-me). The largest province in Persia.
It is situated in the central part of the country, its largest
city being Teheran, the Persian capital.
Iban (E'ran). The Persian name for Persia. A name com-
monly and wrongfully given to rugs, excepting in referring
to Persian rugs in general.
Ispahan (Is'pa-han), meaning "Place of Horses." A city of
80,000 inhabitants in the commercial heart of Persia. At
one time it was its capital. For description of Ispahan rugs,
see Persian classification.
Jejium, see Ghileem.
JELrcM, see Ghileem.
Jhelum, see Ghileem.
JoosHAGHAN, See Joshaghan.
JosHAQHAN, Jooshaghan. A district in Persia, south of Fera-
ghan. For description of Joshaghan rugs, see Persian clas-
sification.
Kaba-Kabaman, see Karaman.
Kabistan ( Kab' is-tan ) , Cabistan. The name given to rugs
woven near Kuba on the shores of the Caspian Sea.
346
GLOSSARY
Kaisabiteh, Kaisarieh, Kaiseriyeh. The Caesarea of the Bible.
An Anatolian city of 72,000 population, about one hundred
and sixty miles southeast of Angora. An important rug
market.
Kabaman (Ka-ra-man'). A town in Turkey, southeast of Konieh.
The name Kaba-Karaman is frequently applied to a class
of rugs from this town. The meaning of the prefix Kaba in
" coarse." For description of Karaman rugs, see Turkish
classification.
Kababagh (Ka-ra-ba'), Carabagh, Shemakinski, " Country of the
Sun." A province in the southern part of Transcaucasia,
just north of Tabriz. For description of Karabagh rugs,
see Caucasian classification.
Kaba Dagh (Ka-ra-da). Meaning "Black Mountains," moun-
tains in Persia, north of Tabriz.
Karajah Dagh (Ka-ra-ja' da). One of the principal rug-making
districts of Turkey in Asia.
Kashan (Ka'chan). City of Persia with 30,000 inhabitants.
Located half way between Teheran and Ispahan. For
description of Kashan rugs, see Persian classification.
Kashmib, see Shemakha.
Kazak (Ka-zak'), Kazack. A corruption of the word Cossack.
Kazak rugs are made by the Russian Cossack tribes in
Transcaucasia near Mt. Ararat. For description of these
rugs, see Caucasian classification.
Kerman, see Kirman.
Kebmanshah (Ker-man-sha'), Kirmanshah. A city of mud
houses in the Ardelan district of Western Persia. It has a
population of some 40,000 and is a centre of commerce, but
no rugs are woven there. The so-called Kermanshah ruga
come from Tabriz. For description of these rugs, see Per-
sian classification.
Kebmes. An insect found upon oak trees about the Mediter-
ranean from which a rich, fast carmine dye is obtained.
347
GLOSSARY
Kee Shehb, see Kir Shehr.
Khilim, see Ghileem.
Khiva (Ke'va). A principality or khanate in Turkestan. It
covers 23,166 square miles and has a population of 800,000.
Khiva Bokhara is the proper name for the so-called Afghan
rugs, as these rugs are woven mostly by the Nomadic tribe
of Khiva. For a description of these rugs, see Turkestan
classification.
Khorasan (Ko'ra-san). A large province in the northern corner
of Persia, of which Meshed is the capital. For description
of Khorasan rugs, see Persian classification.
KiLiM, see Ghileem.
KiixiM, see Ghileem.
KiBMAN (Ear' man). Name of a city and a province in South-
eastern Persia. The latter has an area of over 6.3,000 square
miles, has 600,000 population, and is largely a desert. For
a description of the so-called Kirmau rugs, see Persian
classification.
KiRMANSHAH, see Kermanshah.
KiB Shehr (Kir Shehr'), Ker Shehr, Keer Shehr, Keer Sherir.
A Turkish town in the province of Angora, just over the
Konieh border. For description of the so-called Kir Shehr
rugs, see Turkish classification.
Kis, meaning " A girl." Kis Ghileem is the name applied
to dowry rugs woven by young girls.
Kiz, see Kis.
KoNiAH, see Konieh.
Konieh (Ko'ne-a). The ancient Iconium. A city of Anatolia
with a population of 44,000. Capital of province by the
same name which covers 39,681 square miles and has a
population of 1,088,000. For description of the so-called
Konieh rugs, see Turkish classification.
Koulah, see Kulah.
KoutiUK, see Zangen.
348
GLOSSARY
KuBA (K66'ba). Name of a village and a district in Trans-
caucasia under the Baku government. Kabistan rugs are
woven here.
KuLAH ( Koo' la ) , Koulah. A city in Turkey, west of Oushak.
For description of the so-called Kulah rugs, see Turkish
classification.
Kurd (Koord). An inhabitant of Kurdistan.
Kurdistan (Koor' dis-tiln). A region occupying the eastern part
of Turkey in Asia, and the western part of Persia. It has
an area of about 74,000 square miles and a population of
3,000,000.
KuRK. A very soft wool obtained by combing the sheep in
winter.
KuTATAH, Kutaria, Kutaya, Kutchia (Ko-ti-ya), A city of
Anatolia in the Province of Brousa, about sixty miles
north of Oushak, with a population of 22,000.
Ladik (La-dJik), Ladie, Laodicea, Latakia. Name of a rug
made in the ancient village of Laodicea in Anatolia, north-
east of Konieh. See Turkish classification.
Laodicea (La-od-i-ce' a), Latakia. An ancient village of Ana-
tolia, northeast of Konieh, with a population of 22,000. The
so-called Ladik rug comes from here.
Labistan ( Liir-is-tan' ) , see Niris. A mountainous province in
Western Persia.
LuLE ( Lti' la ) . A corruption of the Persian word " roulez,"
meaning " jewel." A term frequently applied to Bijar rugs.
LuRiSTAN, see Laristan.
Madder. A dye made from the root of the " rubia tinctorum."
From it are made a multitude of reds.
Mahal (Ma'hal). A name given to a class of rugs from Sul-
tanabad. See Persian classification.
Maksoud. The name of the weaver of the celebrated Ardebil
carpet which is in the South Kensington Museum.
349
GLOSSARY
Mecca, or Mekka (Mgk'ka), "The Heart of Islam." The holy
city of the Mohammedans containing the Caaba, visited
annually by multitudes of pilgrims. It has a population of
60,000. The name is frequently applied by retailers to
Shiraz rugs.
Melace, see Meles.
Meles ( Me' las ) . The name given to rugs produced in the
Smyrna district. A corruption of the word Milassa, a small
town about one himdred miles south of Smyrna. See Turkish
classification.
Meshed (Mesh-hed'), Meshad. Capital of the province of Khora-
san in Northeastern Persia with a population of 70,000=
For description of the so-called Meshed rugs, see Persian
classification.
Mesopotamia. Consists of that triangular portion of the south-
eastern part of Turkey in Asia which lies between the Tigris
and the Euphrates. It has an area of 131,000 square miles
and a population of only six million.
Milassa. A town in Anatolia on the coast, about one hundred
miles south of Smyrna.
Mib (Mir). A village in the district of Sarawan, where it is
said that the Mir or Mir Saraband design originated.
MiSKABAD, see Mushkabad.
MosxTL, Mossoul, Mousoul. A city of Mesopotamia on the Tigris.
Kurdish tribes market their rugs here. For a description
of the so-called Mosul rug, see Turkish classification.
Mushkabad (Mus-ka-bad), Miskabad. A name given to a class
of Sultanabad products. See Persian classification.
Nntis, Laristan, Luristan. Name applied to rugs made by the
hillmen in the uplands around the salt lake of Niris io
Laristan. See Persian classification.
OxJCHAK, see Oushak.
OusHAK (Oo'shak), Oocuak, Ushak. A city of Anatolia, in the
province of Aidin, about one hundred miles east of Smyrna.
350
GLOSSARY
It has a population of 100,000 and is one of the greatest rug
centres in Anatolia. For description of the so-called Oushak
rugs, see Turkish classification.
Paea (Pa-ra'). Piece of Turkish money equivalent to about one
mill of American money.
Pergamon ( Per' ga-mon ) , Pergamos. The name of the ancient
Greek Kingdom in the northeastern part of Asia Minor,
which is now known as Bergama.
Pebsia. A kingdom of Southwestern Asia occupying the western
half of the Iranian plateau, which rises to the height of
from six to eight thousand feet between the valleys of the
Indus and the Tigris. It has an area of more tlian a
million square miles and a population of over eight million
inhabitants. The capital is Teheran.
Piaster (Pias'ter). A piece of Turkish money equal to less
than four cents of our money.
Princess Bokhara, see Hardjli.
RouLEZ. Persian word meaning "jewel." See Lule.
Samarkand (Sam' iir-kand), Samarcand, "The Head of Islam."
Name of province and city in Russian Turkestan. Tlie
former with an area of 26,627 square miles, and a popula-
tion of 858,000; the latter is a very interesting city with a
population of 55,000. For description of the so-called Samar-
kand rugs, see Turkestan classification.
Saraband (Bar' a-band), Serebend, Selville. Names given to a
class of rugs woven at Sarawan, a district in Persia just
south of Feraghan. See Persian classification.
Sabak, see Sarakhs.
Sabakhs (Sa-raks'). A frontier town of 10,000 inhabitants in
the northeastern corner of Persia on the Tijend River. Sea
Bijar.
Sarawan (Sa'ra-wan). A district of Persia just south of
Feraghan. See Saraband.
Saeouk, see Saruk.
351
GLOSSARY
Sabuk (Sii-rook'), Sarouk. A village in the district of Feraghan,
not far from Sultanabad. See Persian classification.
Savalan (Sa' va-lan). The name of a mountain in Azerbijan
province. A name often given in the American market to
products of Sultanabad. For description of the so-called
Savalan rugs, see Sultanabad, under the Persian classifi-
cation.
Sedjedes, means a small rug.
Sehna, see Senna.
Selville, see Saraband.
Senna (Sen' na), Sehna, Sinneh, Sinn. A city in Western Persia
just north of Hamadan. Here rugs are made which are
quite different from those made anywhere else in the Orient.
See Persian classification.
Serab, see Sirab.
Serapi (Se-rap'6), Serab, Sirab. Name applied to some of th*
Herez rugs. See Persian classification.
Seraband, see Saraband.
Shah Abbas (Slia-Abbas). A popular Persian ruler of the 16th
century. His name has been given to a favorite design
which originated during his reign.
Sharokh, see Bijar.
Shemakha (She' ma-ka), Shemka, Shemaka, Cashmere, Kashmir,
Soumak. All names given to a class of pileless rugs which
are woven by the Nomadic tribes of Shirvan, near the town
of Shemakha, a manufacturing town of the Baku district,
Transcaucasia, with a population of 20,000. See Caucasian
classification.
Shebaz, see Shiraz.
Shiraz ( She-raz' ) . A manufacturing and commercial town in
the Fars district with a population of 32,000. It was the
former capital of Persia. Shiraz rugs are sometimes erro-
neously called Mecca rugs. See Persian classification.
352
GLOSSARY
Shibvan (SMr'van). The name of a city and a khanate in
Russian Caucasia, just west of the Caspian Sea and along
the southern slope of the Caucasian Mountains. Shirvan
rugs are woven here. See Caucasian classification.
SiNNA, see Senna.
SiEAB (Sl-rab'), Serab. A village in the Herez district in
Northern Persia. Serapi, a name applied to some of the
Herez products, is a corruption of the name Sirab.
SrvAS (Se-vas'). The name of a city and a province in Northern
Asia Minor, south of the Black Sea; the former with a
population of 43,000 and the latter with a population of
1,087,000 and an area of 24,240 square miles.
Smybna ( Smer' na ) . Province and city of Eastern Anatolia.
The former has an area of 20,844 square miles and a popula-
tion of 1,397,000. The city has a population of 201,000 and
is an important rug market, but not a centre of weaving.
For description of so-called Smyrna rugs, see Turkish classi-
fication.
SouMAK, see Shemakha.
Souj BuLAK ( Souge Bu' lak ) . The name of an old Kurdish cap-
ital on the border south of Tabriz. For a description of
the so-called Souj Bulak rug, see Persian classification.
StTLTANABAD (Sul-tan' a-bad) . A city in Persia about one
hundred and sixty miles east of Kermanshah. It has a
population of 25,000 and is the centre of rug weaving under
European control. Rugs from this district are known as
Sultanabad, Savalan, Muskabad, and Mahal. See Persian
classification.
Tabriz (Ta-breez'), Tabreez, "Pinnacle of Islam." A commer-
cial city of the province of Azerbijan in the northwest corner
of Persia. It is an important centre of rug weaving, and
has a population of 180,000. For a description of the so-
called Tabriz rug, see Persian classification.
353
GLOSSARY
Talim. a drawn or painted copy used by weavers indicating the
pattern which they are to weave.
TcHECHEN, see Tchetehen.
TcHEBKESS, or Circassia. A province in Northwestern Caucasia
on the Black Sea, once peopled by a tribe which has become
almost extinct.
TcHETCHEN, Tchechen, Tzitzi, Chichi. A tribe of wandering shep-
herds who inhabit the mountains north of Daghestan. They
make a good quality of rugs. See Caucasian classification.
Teheran (Te' he-ran), "The Pure." The present capital of
Persia, with a population of 160,000 in summer and 250,000
in winter.
Tekke Bokhara (Te'ka Bo-kha'ra). The name of a rug woven
by the Tekke Turkoman tribes who inhabit the country
along the Transcaspian Railroad from Askabad to Merv.
See Turkestan classification.
TiFLis. The capital of Transcaucasia, next to Constantinople, is
the greatest rug market in the world, especially for the
Caucasian products. It has a population of 161,000, mostly
Armenians, Georgians, and Russians. It is said that more
than seventy languages are spoken here.
Tjoshaghan, see Joshaghan.
Toman (To' man). A piece of Turkish money equivalent to
about $0.91 of our money.
Transcaucasia. That part of Russian Caucasia south of the
Caucasian Mountains.
Turkestan is an immense territory lying east of the Caspian. It
is bounded on the south by Persia, Afghanistan, and China,
on the east by China, and on the north by Asiatic Russia.
It is divided into Russian Turkestan on the north with an
area of 257,134 square miles and a population of nearly four
millions; Eastern or Chinese Turkestan with an area of
550,579 and a population of 1,200,000; and Turkestan
proper on the south, which also belongs to Russia. The rug
354
GLOSSARY
centres are Samarkand of the northern district, Kashgar,
Yarkand, and Khotan of the eastern district, and Bokhara
and Khiva of the southern district.
Turkey in Asia. Comprises Anatolia, Syria, the coast of Arabia
bordering on the Red Sea, Armenia, and Mesopotamia. A
medley of races and religions.
Turkoman (Turk' o-nian). Eugs from Turkestan proper and
generally grouped under the name Turkoman.
Turkman, see Genghis.
TziTZi. A corruption of the word Tchetchen.
Valonia. The husk of a certain kind of acorn which is used for
dyeing.
Yamud, see Yomud.
Yarkand (Yar' kand). A city of Eastern Turkestan. An impor-
tant trade centre with a population of 60,000. For descrip-
tion of the so-called Yarkand rug, see Turkestan classification.
Yezd (Yiizd), "City of Light." Capital of the province by the
same name with a population of 55,000.
Yomud (Yii'mud), Yamud, Yamund, Yamut, Yamund. Names
applied to a class of rugs which are woven just east of the
Caspian Sea by the Yomud Turkomans. See Turkestan classi-
fication.
YouRAGHAN, see Joshaghan.
YoURDEZ, see Ghiordes.
Yuruk (Yu-ruk'), Youruck, Yourouk. The word means moun-
taineer. Also the name given to a class of rugs woven by a
certain mountain shepherd tribe of Anatolia. See Turkish
classification.
Zan JAN ( Zan-jan' ) . A town in the northwest comer of the
province of Irak Ajemi, Persia. Rugs from this vicinity
are called either Zangan or Koultuk.
355
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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MuMFOBD, J. K. " The Oriental Rug Problem," Harper's Bazaar,
Nov. 18, 1889.
360
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Nahiqian Bros. "Oriental Rugs in the Home," A Monograph.
Nation, Sept. 27, 1906. "The Disappearing Eastern Rug" (g).
Neuqebauer and Orendio. " Handbuch der Orientalischen
Teppiehkunde " («).
Newtox, G. W. "More Anent the Oriental Rug," Brush and
Pencil, 16, 227.
Peesbret, Frank. "To the Orient in Search of Rugs" {I).
PusHMAN, G. T. "Art Panels from the Hand Looms of the
Orient" (m).
Reidpath, Robert J. " Something About Oriental Rugs not
Generally Known," Pamphlet.
Richards, Calvin. " Tapestries for the Floor," House Beautiful.
Ripley, Mary Churchill. "The Oriental Rug Book" (n).
Ripley, Mary Churchill. "Antique Chinese Rugs" (o).
Robinson, Vincent. "Eastern Carpets," A Monograph (c).
Robinson, Vincent. " Eastern Art Carpets," Journal of Society
of Arts, March, 1906.
Russell, Edward. " A Lesson in Rugs," Good Housekeeping,
Oct., 1908.
Samuelson, H. K. "Oriental Rugs," House Beautiful.
Saturday Review, 53, 808. "Persian Carpets" {g).
Saturday Review, 54, 289. "Eastern Carpets" (g) .
Scientific American, Jan. 6, 1906. " Interesting Facts Concern-
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Scientific American, Supplement, Jan. 27, 1906. " Artificial
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Scientific American, Supplement, Apr. 25, 1903. " The Rug
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Scientific American, Supplement, Sept. 28, 1901. " Oriental
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Sterling, Ada. "Concerning Rugs," Harper's Bazaar, Nov.,
1903.
Stoeckel, J. M. "Modern Turkey Carpets," A Monograph (e).
Sturgess, Dinah. " Fine Rugs," Overland Monthly, July, 1900.
361
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Stubgess, Dinah. "Carpets," Nation, 2, 363.
Sykes, Ella C. "Through Persia in a Side Saddle" (g).
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Magazine, May, 1904.
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Beautiful.
(a) Published by Ticknor and Co., Boston, Mass.
(b) Published by D. Appleton & Co., New York City.
(c) Published by the Royal Austrian Museum, 1892.
{d) Published by Clifford & Lawton, New York City,
(e) Published by Dodd, Mead & Co., New York City.
if) Published by Chas. Scribner's Sons, New York City,
(^r) Author not mentioned.
(h) Published by Cardinal and Hartford, London.
(i) Published by F. Tennyson Neely Co., New York City.
(;■) Published by A. C. McClurg & Co., Chicago, HI.
(A.) Published by A. and C. Black, London.
(l) Published by T. Fisher Unwin, London.
(m) Published by R. R. Donnelly & Sons Co., Chicago, 111.
(n) Published by Frederick A. Stokes & Co., New York City.
(o) Published by the Tiffany Studios, New York City.
(p) Number unknown.
{q) Published by J. B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia.
(r) Published by Macmillan & Co., London.
(s) Published by H. B. Claflin & Co., New York City.
(t) Published by Fleming H. Revell Co., London and New
York City.
(i^) Published by Karl W. Hiersemann, Berlin.
3G2
Index
A PAGE
Abrashes in design 341
Acid for bleaching 39
Advice to buyers 43
Afghan rugs, see Khiva Bok-
hara 278
Afghanistan 341
Age of rugs, how told 3G, 332
Age of weaving art 17
Aging of rugs artificially 39
AkHissar (city) .- • . ^^^
Ak Hissar rugs (description) . 232
Ak Hissar rugs (illustration) . 232
Alcohol in design 64
Alligator in design, see Kulah
border design 116
Almond in design, see Pear. . . 123
Altman collection of rugs .... 38
Altman prayer rug (illustra-
tion) 336
Alum used in dyeing 76
Amber beads for testing dyes. 79
Ames collection of rugs ... 27, 38
Anatolia (country) 217
Anatolian Ghileems (descrip-
tion) 312
Anatolian rugs ... 50, 52, 323, 325
Anatolian rugs(description) . . 234
Anatolian rugs (illustration) . . 60
Angora (province and city).. . 341
Angular hook in design 101
Aniline dyes.27, 40, 44, 77, 78, 170
Aniline dyes, effect on the
wool 78
Aniline dyes, how detected
44, 45, 47, 79, 80
Aniline dyes in the Orient . 77, 78
Aniline dyed rugs 218
Animals in design 99
Anthemion design 102
Antique rugs. .35, 36, 37, 38,
331, 332
Antique rugs. Cost of 26, 39
PAGE
Antique rugs. Craze for 35
Antique rugs. Exhibition of. . 331
Antique rugs, how told.. . .35, 47
Antique rug. What consti-
tutes an 35, 36, 47
Apple in design, see Silibik. . . 131
Arabic figures and letters in
design 100
Ardebil (town) 341
Ardebil mosque carpet 26, 37, 333
Ardebil mosque carpet (de-
scription) 333
Ardebil mosque carpet (illus-
tration) 330
Ardelan (province) 171
Armenia 218, 342
Armenians 56, 217, 218
Artificial aging 39
Asia Minor 342
Askabad 342
Auctions 31, 32
Austria, Antiques in 37
Austrian royal hunting carpet 335
Azerbijan (province) 171
B
Backs of rugs (characteristic) 153
Bagdad (province and city) . . 343
Baker hunting rug (descrip-
tion) 337
Baker hunting rug (illustra-
tion) 338
Bakhshis (village) 343
Bakhshis rugs (description) . . 173
Baku (province and city) .... 343
Baku rugs 150
Baku rugs (characteristics) . . 150
Baku rugs (description) 261
Baku rugs (illustration) 262
Bale, Rugs bought by the . 31. 32
Ball and claw design 102
363
INDEX
PAGE
Ballard collection of rugs .... 38
Barber pole stripe design .... 102
Basket in design 102
Bat in design 103
Bath rooms. Rugs suitable for 51
Bath rugs 325
Bavaria, Antiques in 37
Beads in design 103
Beating of rugs 63
Bed rooms. Rugs suitable for 51
Bee in design 103
Beetle in design 103
Beets used in making dyes. . . 82
Beluchistan (country) .... 295, 343
Beluchistan rugs. .50, 51, 52,
70, 106, 326
Beluchistan rugs (characteris-
tics) 151, 295
Beluchistan rugs (description) 296
Beluchistan rugs (illustration)
294, 296
Bergama rugs 38, 52, 105, 323
Bergama rugs (characteristics) 150
Bergama rugs (description).. . 235
Bergama rugs (illustration) 46, 234
Berlin, Antiques in 37
Berlin dragon and phoenix rug
(illustration) 332
Beshir Bokhara rugs (descrip-
tion) 280
Beshir Bokhara rugs (illustra-
tion) 274, 280
Bibliography 359
Bijar (town) 343
Bijar rugs 51
Bijar rugs (characteristics) . . . 148
Bijar rugs (description) 185
Bijar rugs (illustration) 78,186, 328
Black (color) 76. 77, 80, 83
Blue (color) 80, 82
Boar in design 104
Bokhara (city) 343
Bokhara, Beshir (description) 280
Bokhara, Beshir (illustration)
274, 280
Bokhara, Camel Bag Half
(illustration) 162
Bokhara.Emir of (illustration) 134
Bokhara, Khiva. . .50, 51, 52. 327
PAGE
Bokhara, Khiva (characteris-
tics) 151
Bokhara, Khiva (description) 278
Bokhara, Khiva (illustration) 278
Bokhara, Tekke 61
Bokhara, Tekke (characteris-
tics) 151
Bokhara, Tekke (description) 281
Bokhara, Tekke (illustration) 282
Bokhara, Yomud.50, 51, 105, 327
Bokhara, Yomud (character-
istics) 151
Bokhara, Yomud (description) 285
Bokhara, Yomud (illustra-
tion) 286
Boquet in design, see Pear. . . 123
Boston hunting rug 26, 335
Boston hunting rug (illustra-
tion) 334
Bow knot in design 104
Brazil wood used in dyeing. . 82
Brown (color) 76, 77, . 83
Brushing rugs 164
Buckthorn used in dyeing. ... 83
Budapest, Antiques in 37
Butterfly in design 104. 304
Buyers, Advice to 43
Buying rugs by the bale, . . 31. 32
C
Camels' hair 70. 77
Campeachy wood used in dye-
ing 82
Canopy in design 105
Care of rugs 63
Carmine (color) 81
Cashmere goat 70
Cashmere rug, see Shemaka 263
Catechu used in dyeing 83
Caucasia 253. 344
Caucasian design 98
Caucasian border design 105
Caucasian classification. .165, 253
Caucasian rugs (characteris-
tics) 253. 254
Change in design 36
Characteristics of different
rugs.. 147, 148, 149. 150. 151
364
IMDEX
PAGE
Chart of distinguishing feat-
ures 156
Checker board in design 105
Chemically treated rugs 39
Chichi rugs (see Tchetchen) . . 260
Chichi border design 105
Children as weavers. . .55, 56, 57
Chinese Cloud band design,
see Cloud 105
Chinese colors 306, 307
Chinese designs.. 98, 303, 304, 305
Chinese fret. 105, 304
Chinese materials 305
Chinese rugs 106, Hi, 301
Chinese rugs (characteris-
tics) .•■■••.■• 1^^
Chinese rugs. Classification
of 302, 303
Chinese rugs (description) . .
303, 304
Chinese rugs. Growing scar-
city of 301
Chinese rugs (illustrations)
300, 306
Chinese rugs. Increased value
of 301
Chinese rugs of the 16th and
17th centuries 306
Chinese rugs, Weave of 154
Chinese weavers 18, 303
Chinese weaving 154, 305
Circle of happiness in design
106, 304
Circle in design 106
Clark collection of rugs ... 27, 38
Classification of rugs accord-
ing to intended use 321
Classification of rugs, Caucas-
ian .165, 253
Classification of rugs, Chinese 302
Classification of rugs. General 161
Classification of rugs. Geo-
graphical 162
Classification of rugs, Persian
163, 169
Classification of rugs, Turkish
161, 217
Classification of rugs, Turko-
man 165, 277
PAGB
Claw and Ball in design, see
Ball and Claw 102
Cleaning of rugs 63, 64, 65
Cloud band in design, — see
Cloud, Chmese 106
Coat of arms, Chinese (illus-
tration) 301
Coat of arms, Persian 107
Coat of arms, Persian (illus-
tration) 169
Coat of arms, Russian 107
Coat of arms, Russian (illus-
tration) 253
Coat of arms, Turkish 107
Coat of arms, Turkish (illus-
tration) 217
Cochineal used in dyeing .... 81
Cock in design, see Rooster. . 127
Coffee grounds used for aging
rugs 39
Collection of Rugs, American
27,37. 38
Colors, Fast 40
Colors, Harmony of 48
Colors of different nations ... 79
Colors employed in Chinese
rugs 306, 307
Comb in design 108
Commercial methods of rug
making 77
Compass in design 108
Compressed air for cleaning
rugs 65
Conch shell in design 108
Cone in design, see Pear 123
Contagious diseases in the
Orient. 56, 57
Constantinople 217
Convenience of Oriental ruga 28
Cornucopia in design 108
Cost of Oriental rugs . . 25, 26,
27, 174
Cotton employed in making
rugs 71
Crab in design 108
Crane in design 108
Crescent in design 109
Crimson (color) 82
Crocodile in design 109
365
INDEX
PAGE
PAGE
Crooked rugs 44, 46,
Cross, Greek, in design
Crow in design
Crown jewel in design, see
Pear
Curling of rugs
Custom house statistics
Cypress tree, see Tree.. . . 136,
Cyrus (ancient ruler)
D
Daghestan (district)
Daghestan rugs.. .50, 51, 112,
Daghestan rugs (characteris-
tics)
Daghestan rugs (description) .
Daghestan rugs (illustrations)
84, 254, 256,
Daghestan rugs. Weave of . . .
Dates in design
Daviu's shield in design, see
Star, six pointed
Davis collection of rugs
Dealers and auctions
Dealers, Foreign 31,
Dealers' profits 25,
Dealers, Reliable
Decoration of rooms
Deer in design
Demirdji (city)
Den, Rugs suitable for a
Department stores
Derbend (city)
Derbend rugs (characteristics)
Derbend rugs (description).. .
Designs, Animals in
Designs, Caucasian
Designs, Change in 36,
Designs, Chinese 98, 303, 304,
Designs, Dates in
Designs, European
Designs, Floral
Designs, Geometrical
Designs, Humans in
Designs, Indian
Designs, Inscriptions in
Designs, Names in
Designs, Persian 98,
87 Designs, Symbolism of 99
109 Designs, Transmission of 97
110 Designs, Tribal or family .... 97
Designs, Turkish 98
123 Designs, Turkoman 98
66 Diamond in design 110
20 Diaper design, see Lattice de-
137 sign 117
344 Dining room. Rugs suitable for 5 1
Disc, Winged, in design, see
winged globe 139
Disinfection of rugs 57, 58
344 Distinguishing features of rugs
138 (chart) 156
Doctored rugs 39, 40
150 Doctoring rugs. Method of
254 39, 40, 47
Domestic rugs 43
292 Dog in design 110
154 Dove in design Ill
100 Dowry rugs 324
Dragon in design Ill, 305
132 Dragon and Phoenix rug (il-
38 lustration) 332
31 Duck in design Ill
43 Durability of Oriental rugs. . . 87
32 Dust in rugs 46, 59
43 Dutch rooms. Rugs suitable
48 for 49
110 Duty on rugs 26
344 Dye pots (illustration) 80
51 Dye stuff 75
43 Dyeing, Method of 76
344 Dyeing of wool 72
150 Dyeing, Secrets of 75
257 Dves and Dyers 73
99 Dyes, Aniline 40, 44, 170
98 Dves, Fading of aniline. . .76, 80
97 Dyes, Testing of. . .40, 44, 46, 47
305 Dyes, vegetable 40, 44, 75, 76, 78
100
98
98
99 Eagle in design Ill
99 Eastern rug markets 31
98 East India rug (illustration) . 334
100 Egg in design Ill
100 Egyptian carpets 18
169 Elephant in design Ill
S66
E
INDEX
PAGE
England, Antiques in 37
European designs 98
Exhibitions of Oriental rugs
331, 3Si
Exorbitant prices for rugs
26, 27
F
Factories. Rug. . .55, 57. 170. 217
Fading of rugs 76
Famous rugs 331
Farsistan (province) 171
Fast colors 40
Favorite colors of different
nations 79
Feather in design, see Pear. . 123
Felt rugs 318
Feraghan (district) 345
Feraghan design, see Herati
design 114
Feraghan rugs 49, 50, 51
Feraghan rugs (characteris-
tics) 149
Feraghan rugs (description). 190
Feraghan rugs (illustration)
114, 190, 196
Figures in design 100
Fir cone in design, see Pear . . 123
Fish in design Ill
Fish bone in design 112
Flame in design, see Pear. ... 123
Floor coverings 327
Floral designs 98
Flower of Henna in design,
see Guli Henna 113
Flower and Knop design, see
Knop and Flower 215
Fly in design 112
Folding of rugs 65
Foreign rug dealers 31
Four flower design, see Roses,
Four 128
Four roses in design, see
Roses, Four 128
France, Antiques in 37
Fret, Chinese or Greek, see
Chinese fret 105, 304
Frick collection of rugs. . . 27, 38
PAGE
G
Gall nuts used in dyeing . . 83, 84
Galley in design 112
Ganga (city) 345
Genghis (tribe) 345
Genghis rugs 50, 166
Genghis rugs (characteristics) 150
Genghis rugs (description) . . . 267
Genghis rugs (illustration) . . . 268
Geometrical designs 99
Georgian border design 112
Germany, Antiques in 37
Ghileems 311
Ghileems (description) 311
Ghileems, Anatolian 312
Ghileems, Kurdish (character-
istics) 154
Ghileems, Kurdish (descrip-
tion) 314
Ghileems, Kurdish (illustra-
tion) 314, 316
Ghileems, Kurdish, Weave of 154
Ghileems, Merve (character-
- istic) . 154
Ghileems, Merve (descrip-
tion) 315
Ghileems Merve (illustration) 316
Ghileems, Merve, Weave of. . 154
Ghileems, Senna 5i
Ghileems, Senna (description) 312
Ghileems, Senna (illustration) 312
Ghileems, Shirvan (descrip-
tion) 314
Ghiordes border stripe 1 13>
Ghiordes knot 169-*.
Ghiordes rugs.. 38, 52, 113,
117, 323
Ghiordes rugs (characteristics) 149
Ghiordes rugs (description).. . 238
Ghiordes rugs (illustration)
66, 230, 2.-38
Glossary 341
Glycerine used in rugs 39
Goats' hair 70
Gorevan rugs 120. 327
Gorevan rugs (description). . . 175
Gorevan rugs (illustration) . . . 174
Gourd in design 113
Grape juice used in dyeing. . . 84
36 <
INDEX
PAGE
Grave rugs 324
Gray (color) 84
Greek cross in design, see
Cross, Greek 109
Greek fret, see Chinese fret
105, 304
Greek key, see Chinese fret
105, 304
Greek meander in design, see
Meander, Greek 119
Green (color) 79, 80, 83, 218
Guli Henna design 113
H
Hair used in rugs 305
Hall, Rugs suitable for 50
Hamadan (city) 345
Hamadan rugs. . .50, 70, 120, 327
Hamadan rugs (characteris-
tics) 149
Hamadan rugs (description).. 192
Hamadan rugs (illustration)
110, 192
Hand in design, see coat of
arms, Turkish, also Pear
107, 123
Hanging rugs 63, 64
Hangings 328
Hardjli Rugs 283
Harmony of colors 48
Havemeyer collection of rugs . 27
Hearthrugs 323
Heliotrope (color) 84
Henna flower in design, see
Guli Henna design 113
Herat (city) 346
Herat rugs 114, 125
Herat rugs (characteristics) . . 149
Herat rugs (description) 206
Herati design 114
Herez (district) 346
Herez rugs 51
Herez rugs (characteristics) . . 148
Herez rugs (description) 173
Herez rugs (illustration) 172
Hexagon in design 115
Hog in design 115
Holy carpet, Yerkes 27
PAGE
Horn in design, see Anthem-
ion 102
Home looms 56
Hook, Angular, see Angular
hook 101
Hook, Latch, see Angidar
hook 101
Horse shoe in design 115
Hound in design 115
Hoirr glass in design 115
Human beings in design 99
Hygiene of Oriental rugs 28
I
Identification of rugs 147
Importation of Oriental rugs
20, 217
Indian designs 98
Indian fish bone design, see
Fishbone 112
Indian hunting rug 26, 335
Indian rugs 162
Indigo used in dyeing 82, 84
Inscriptions in design 100
Inspecting rugs at Ispahan
(illustration) 170
Introduction 17
Irak Ajemi (province) 171
Iron filings used in dyeing ... 83
Ispahan (citv) 346
Ispahan rugs 50, 51, 332, 333
Ispahan rugs (description) ... 194
Ispahan rugs (illustration) 194, 318
Ivy berries used in dyeing ... 82
J
Jewel in design, see Pear 123
Jones, Mr. Quill 36
Joshaghan (district) 346
Jug in design 115
K
Kabistan rugs 50, 51,128, 135
Kabistan rugs (description) . . 258
Kabistan rugs(illustration) 128, 258
Karabagh (province) 347
368
ilNDEX
PAGE
Karabagh rugs 50, 126
Karabagh rugs (characteris-
tics) 126
Karabagh rugs (description) . . 269
Karabagh rugs (illustration).. 270
Kara Dagh (mountains) S47
Kara Dagh rugs (characteris-
tics) 148
Kara Dagh rugs (description) 178
Karaman (to\ATi) 347
Karaman rugs (description) . . 223
Kashan city 347
Kashan rugs (description).. . . 180
Kashan rugs (illustration).. . . 180
Kashgar rugs (characteristics) 152
Kashgar rugs (description) . . . 287
Kazak rugs. .50, 51, 108, 122,
126, 135, 138, 154, 327
Kazak rugs (characteristics)
150, 154
Kazak rugs(description) 272
Kazak rugs (illustration) . . 94,
144, 272
Kazak rugs. Weave of 154
Kermanshah (city) 347
Kermanshah rugs 50, 327
Kermanshah rugs (character-
istics) . 148
Kermanshah rugs (descrip-
tion) 186
Kermanshah rugs (illustra-
tion) 118
Kermes used in dyeing 81
Key, Greek, see Chinese fret
105, 304
Khilims, see Ghileems 311
Khiva (principality) 348
Kiva Bokhara rugs.. 50, 51, 327
Khiva Bokhara rugs (charac-
teristics) 151
Khiva Bokhara rugs (descrip-
tion) 278
Khiva Bokhara rugs (illustra-
tion) 120, S*78
Khorasan (province) 172, 348
Khorasan rugs. .50, 78, 114,
120, 125, 153, 327
Khorasan rugs (characteris-
tics) 149
PAQB
Khorasan rugs (description). . 207
Khorasan rugs (illustration) 32, 208
Khorasan rugs. Weave of . . . . 153
Kilims, see Ghileems 311
Kirman (city and province)
172, 348
Kirman rugs ... 49. 104, 120, 327
Kirman rugs (characteristics) 149
Kirman rugs (description)... . 211
Kirman rugs (illustrations)
210, 212
Kir Shehr (town) 348
Kir Shehr rugs (characteris-
tics) 149
Kir Shehr rugs (description) 220
Kir Shehr rugs (illustration)
130, 220, 222
Kis Ghileem 313, 324
Knop and flower design 115
Knot in design 104, 116
Knot of destiny design 116
Knot, Persian or Senna. .91,
.....93, 169
Knot, Turkish or Ghoirdes 91,
93, 169
Knots used in weaving (illus-
tration) 90
Konieh (city) 348
Konieh field design, see Rho-
dian 126
Konieh rugs 117, 127
Konieh rugs (description) .... 225
Konieh rugs (illustration)
138, 224
Koran 99, 100, 116
Kulah border design 150
Kulah (citv) 349
Kulah rugs 38, 52, 323
Kulah rugs (characteristics) . , 150
Kulah rugs (description) 239
Kulah rugs (ulustrated). .216, 240
Kurdish ghileems 314
Kurdish ghileems (illustra-
tion) . ....314, 316
Kurdish ghileems. Weave of. 154
Kurdish guard (illustration) . 124
Kurdish weavers 219
Kurdistan (coimtry) 349
Kurdistan rugs 51, 327
369
INDEX
PAGE
Kurdistan rugs (characteris-
tics) 149
Kurdistan rugs (description). 212
Kurdistan rugs (illustration) . 214
Kurds 78
Kurk 70
L
Ladik rugs 50. 52, 117, 127
Ladik rugs (characteristics) . . 150
Ladik rugs (description) 228
Ladik rugs (illustration) .. 74, 228
Laodicea (village) 349
Large patterns in rugs 49
Laristan (province) 349
Latch hook in design, see an-
gular hook 101
Lattice design 117
Lavender (color) 84
Law against use of aniline
dyes 77
Leaf in design, see Pear 123
Leopard in design 117
Lemon juice used on rugs. ... 39
Library, Rugs suitable for . ... 51
Lily in design, see Rhodian. . 126
Lime used on rugs 76
Link in design 118
Lion in design 118
Living room. Rugs suitable
for 50
Loftus collection of rugs 38
Logwood used in dyeing 84
London, Antiques in 37
Long rugs 49
Loom, Eastern 89
Loom, Persian (illustration) . 92
Looms in homes 56
Loom, Turkish (illustration) . 88
Loop in design, see Pear 123
Lotus in design 118
M
Madder used in dyeing.. 81,
83, 84
Maden rug (description) 227
Maden rug (illustration) 226
37
PAGB
Magpie in design 119
Mahal rugs 50
Mahal rugs (description) 200, 201
Mahal rugs (illustration) .... 202
Mahogany furniture. Rugs
suitable with 52
Makri rugs (description) 245
Makri rugs (illustration) 246
Maksoud 37
Marquand sale of antique
rugs 26
Material of rugs 45, 69
Material of Chinese rugs 305
Materials, Testing 45
Meander, Greek, in design. . . 119
Mecca rugs 325
Medallion in design 120
Meles rugs 50, 52
Meles rugs (characteristics) . . 150
Meles rugs (description) 242
Meles rugs (illustrations) . .
242, 244
Merchant, Persian rug (illus-
tration) 38
Merve ghileem (characteris-
tic) 154
Merve ghileem (description) . 315
Merve ghileem (illustration). 316
Merve ghileem, weave of ... . 154
Meshed (city) 350
Meshed rugs (characteristics) 149
Meshed rugs (description) . . . 209
Meshed rugs (illustration) ... 22
Metropolitan animal rug (il-
lustration) 26
Metropolitan exhibition of
antiques 37, 331
Mihrab 121
Milassa (town) 350
Mina Khani design 120
Mina Khani design (illustrat-
ed) 214
Mir design 120
Mirror design, see Lattice de-
sign 117
Mission rooms. Rugs suitable
for 49, 51
Mohair 70
Mohammedan calendar . 100, 101
INDEX
PAGE
Monkey in design 121
Mordants used in dyeing. ... 76
Morgancollectionof rugs. .27, 38
Mosque design V2l, 317
Mosque rugs S25
Mosul (city) 350
Mosul rugs 38,50,51,5:2, 70
Mosul rugs (characteristics) . . 150
Mosul rugs (description) 247
Mosul rugs (illustrated) . .136, 248
Mountains in design 121
Mulberry fungus used in dye-
ing 83
MujuT rugs (description) .... 227
N
Names of weavers in design. 100
Names of rugs, how derived
161, 162
Nap, Direction of the 93
Network in design, see Lat-
tice design 117
Niche, Prayer 121
Niche, Prayer (illustrated) . . 322
Niris rugs (characteristics). . . 149
Niris rugs (description) 202
Niris rugs (illustration) 204
Nomad rugs 52
Nomads 78
Nomenclature of rugs 162
Numerals in design 100
O
Octagon in design 122
Odor in rugs 71
Onion skins used in dyeing. . . 82
Orange (color) 80, 83
Oriental rugs, Characteristics
of 43
Oriental shrewdness 31
Oriental versus domestic rugs 27
Oushak (city) 350
Oushak rugs (description) . . . 222
Owl in design 122
Ox in design 122
Oxalic acid used for doctor-
ing rugs 39
_ PAGE
P
Paint used on rugs 39
Palace design 122
Palace design (illustrated) . . . 272
Palm in design, see Pear 123
Palmette design 122
Palm tree, see Tree 136, 137
Panel in design 123, 323
Paraffin used on rugs 39
Paris, Antiques in 37
Parrot in design 123
Pay of weavers 55, 170
Payne collection of rugs 27
Peacock in design 123
Pear in design. . 115, 123, 124, 125
Pearl in design 125
Pease collection of rugs 38
Pekinrugs 303
Pendants, Hanging 323
Peony in design 125
Pergamon (country) 351
Persia 351
Persian berries used in dyeing 83
Persian coat of arms, see Coat
of arms, Persian 107
Persian classification 162
Persian designs 98, 169
Persian dye pots (illustration) 80
Persian knot 169
Persian rug provinces 171
Persian village (illustration) . 80
Persian weavers 169, 170
Phoenix in design 125
Piaster (coin) 351
Pile of a rug 44,91, 92
Pillow cases 325
Pineapple in design 125
Pine tree in design 125
Pink (color).. 82
Poems in design 100
Polanaise rugs 332
Pole medallion in design, see
Medallion 120
Polish rugs _. 332
Pomegranate in design 125
Powder bag (illustration) .... 324
Prayers of Mohammedans . . . 100
Prayer niches (illustration).. . 322
Prayer rugs 321
371
index:
PAGE
Prayer rugs. Classification of 152
Profits on rugs 25
Purple (color) 84
R
Ram in design 126
Reception hall. Rugs suitable
for 50
Reception room. Rugs suit-
able for 50
Reciprocal saw teeth in design 126
Reciprocal trefoil in design. . 126
Red (color) 76,80,81, 82
Reliable rug dealers 43
Rhodian design 126
Rhomboid in design 127
Ribbon in design 127
Rice in design 127
River loop in design, see Pear 123
Room decorations 48
Rooms, Rugs suitable for cer-
tain 48
Rooster in design 127
Rosary, Mohammedan, see
Beads 103
Rose (color) 81
Roses Four, in design 128
Rosette in design 128
Rothschild collection of rugs . 37
Rug exhibitions 331
Rug factories in the Orient
55, 57, 170, 217
Rug nomenclature 162
Runners 328
Russia, Antiques in 37
Russia, coat of arms, see Coat
of arms, Russian 107
S
Saddlebags 52, 326
Saddle bag (illustrated) . .324, 326
Saddlecloth 327
Saddle cloth (illustrated) 324
Salmon (color) 84
Samarkand (province and
city) 351
Samarkand rugs. . . .106, 116, 134
PAGK
Samarkand rugs (characteris-
tics) 151
Samarkand rugs (description) 289
Samarkand rugs (illustration) 290
Samarkand, Street in (illus-
tration) 288
Sample corners 326
Sample corner (illustration) . . 328
Saraband border design, see
Mir design. . . 120
Saraband dance 164
Saraband rugs. .50, 51, 125,
154, 327
Saraband rugs (characteris-
tics) , ... 149
Saraband rugs (description). . 197
Sarabandrugs illustration 126, 198
Saraband, Weave of 154
Sarak rug, see Bijar 185
Sarakhs (town) 351
Sara wan (district) 351
Sardar design 129
Saruk (village) 352
Saruk rug. . . .49, 50, 112, 152, 153
Saruk rugs (characteristics) . 149
Saruk rugs (description) 200
Saruk rugs (illustration).. .40, 166
Saruk rugs, weave of 153
Saw-teeth, Reciprocal, in de-
sign, see Reciprocal 126
Scarabffius in design, see Beetle 103
Scarlet (color) 81, 82
Sceptre in design 129
Scorpion in design 129
Scroll in design 130
Seals on rugs 47
Secrets of dyeing 75
Selection of rugs for rooms. . 48
Selvage of rugs 45
Semi-Persian rug (illustrated) 100
Senna (city) 352
Senna ghileems 312
Senna ghileems (characteris-
tics) 312
Senna ghileems (description) . 312
Senna ghileems (illustration) . 312
Senna knot 169
Senna rugs. .49, 50, 114, 125,
153, 327
372
INDEX
Senna rugs (characteristics)
148, 151, 152
Senna rugs (description) 188
Senna rugs (illustration) 188
Senna, Weave of 153
Serapi rugs (description) 178
Serapi rugs (illustration) 176, 178
Serpent in design 130
Shah Abbas (ruler) 352
Shah Abbas design 37. 130
Shawl design, see Pear 123
Sheen 39,63, 192
Sheeps' blood used in dyeing. 82
Shemakha (town) 352
Shemakha rugs 112, 155, 327
Shemakha rugs (characteristic) 155
Shemakha rugs (description) . 2C3
Shemakha rugs (illustrations) 264
Shemakha rugs. Weave of 155
Shiraz (town) 352
Shiraz rugs.. 50, 51, 52, 104,
120, 125, 127, 325, 326
Shiraz rugs (characteristics).. 149
Shiraz rugs (description) 204
Shiraz rugs (illustrations) . 52,
104, 206
Shirvan (city) 353
Shirvan design 130
Shirvan rugs 50, 118, 122,
128, 131, 135, 139
Shirvan rugs (description) . . . 265
Shirvan rugs (illustration) . . . 158
Shirvan ghileems (description) 314
Shirvan ghileems (illustrated)
156, 250
Short rugs 49
Shorten collection 38
Shou design 131, 304, 305
Signet of David in Design . . . 131
Silibik design 131
Silk 71
Silk rugs 316
Sinclair collection 38
Sirab (village) 353
Sixteen lucky squares in de-
sign, see Knot of destiny. . 116
Smyrna (province and city) . . 353
Smyrna rugs 327
Smyrna rugs (description) . . . 246
PAGE PAGE
Snake in design, see serpent. 130
Snow for cleaning rugs 64
Solomon's seal in Design 131
Souj Bulak (city) 353
Souj Bulak rugs (description) . 181
Sparrow in design 131
Spider in design, see Scorpion 129
Spinning the wool (illustra-
tion) 72
Square in design 132
Squirrel in design 132
Stains on rugs 66
Star in design 132, 133
Storing rugs 65
Stork in design 133
Sultanabad (city) 35S
Sultanabad rugs 327
Sultanabad rugs (character-
istics) 149
Sultanabad rugs (description) 201
Sumac used for dyeing 76
Sumak rugs see Shemakha . . . 263
Sunburst design, see Palace
design 122, 133
Swan in design 133
Swastika in design. .133, 134, 304
Symbolism of designs 99, 303
Symbolic Persian silk rug (il-
lustration) 48, 98
Symmetry of Oriental rugs. . . 99
T
T. forms in design 134
Tabriz (city) 353
Tabriz rugs ...50, 327
Tabriz rugs (characteristics) 148
Tabriz rugs (description) .... 182
Tabriz rugs (illustration) .... 182
Tae-kieh design 135
Tags and seals on rugs. Pur-
pose of 47
Talim.. 354
Tarantula in design 135
Tariff on rugs 20, 25, 26
Tcherkess (province) 354
Tchetchen (tribe) . 854
Tchetchen rugs (characteris-
tics) 150
373
INDEX
PAGE
Tchetchen rugs (description) 260
Tchetchen rugs (illustration) . 260
Teheran (city) 354
Tekke border design 135
Tekke field design 135
Tekke Bokhara rugs 51, 135
Tekke Bokhara rugs (charac-
teristics) 151
Tekke Bokhara rugs (descrip-
tion) 281
Tekke Bokhara rugs (illustra-
tions) . . . .frontispiece, 150,
162,282, 284
Testing of dyes 79
Testing of materials 45
Thibet rugs 303
Tientsin rugs 303
Tiflis (city) 354
Toman (coin) 354
Tomoye design 136
Tortoise in design 136
Transcaucasia 253
Transportation charges on
rugs 25
Tree in design 135, 137
Trefoil in design, see Recip-
rocal trefoil 126
Trellis in design (see Lat-
tice) 117
Triangle in design 137
Tribal or Family designs 97
Tuberculosis in the Orient . 55, 67
Turkey in Asia 355
Turkish classification 164
Turkish coat of arms 107
Turkish designs 98
Turkish exportation of rugs . . 217
Turkish or Ghiordes knot ... . 169
Turkish weavers 217
Turkestan 277, 354
Turkoman classification 165
Turkoman designs 98
Turkoman rugs 277
Turkoman rugs (characteris-
tics) 277
Turner collection of rugs 38
Turtle border design 136
Turtle in design, see tortoise. . 136
Twin fish design, see Herati . . 114
U
PAGE
Umbrella in design 138
Urn in design, see Vase 138
V
Valonia used in dyeing.. 76,
83, 84
Value of rugs 25, 32
Vegetable dyes. .40, 44, 75,
76, 78
Vermilion (color) 82
Vestibule, Rugs suitable for . . 49
Violet (color) 84
Vulture in design 138
W
Walnut husks used in dyeing 83
Warp 45, 92
Washed rugs 40, 64, 93
Washing, Legitimate 40
Washing of rugs 64, 65
Wearing qualities of rugs .... 63
Weavers. .55, 87, 89, 91, 170,
217, 218
Weavers, Chinese 18, 303
Weavers, Diseases among
55,56, 57
Weavers, Expert (illustration) 38
Weavers, Kurdish 219
Weavers, Pay of. .55, 88, 89,
90, 170
Weavers, Persian 18, 91, 169
Weavers, Turkish 217
Weavers, Turkoman 91
Weavers, Youthful 55, 57
Weavers, Youthful (illustra-
tion) 90
Weaving, Age of 17
Weaving, Biblical reference to 17
W^eaving, Chinese 305
Weaving, Methods of . . 89, 90, 91
Wedding rugs 324
Weight of rugs 44
Widener collection of rugs. . . 38
Williams collection of rugs ... 38
Willow tree in design, see Tree 136
Wine glass border design .... 138
374
INDEX
PAGE
Winged globe in design 139
Wolf in design 139
Woof 92
Wool 69
Wool, Preparation of 71
Y
Y form in design 139
Yak rugs 305
Yang and Yin design (see Tae-
kieh) 135
Yarkand (city) 355
Yarkand rugs (characteristics) 151
Yarkand rugs (description).. . 288
Yellow (color) 76,80. 83
Yerkes collection of rugs 37
Yezd (city) 355
Yomud (tribe) 355
PAGE
Yomud Bokhara rugs. .50, 51,
105, 327
Yomud Bokhara rugs (char-
acteristics) 151
Yomud Bokhara rugs (de-
scription) 285
Yomud Bokhara rugs (illus-
tration) 286
Yuruk 355
Yuriik rugs 50
Yuruk rugs (characteristics).. 150
Yuruk rugs (description) .... 231
Yuruk rugs (illustration) .... 230
Zanjan (town) 355
Zigzag design, see Meander,
Greek 119
376
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