Oriental Rugs: An Introduction. This item is unavailable.Oriental Rugs: An Introduction

The rugs of Persia, Turkey, and many other countries of Muslim Asia constitute one of the richest seams of art anywhere in the world-and it is an art that can be part of one's home, adding character and distinction to even the smallest room. But the infinite variety of styles, sizes, and prices, as well as the difficulty of assessing value and authenticity, frequently intimidates the inexperienced purchaser. Here, at last, is a simple but serious introduction for the novice, providing a complete overview of the subject in a well-organized, easily followed text. Expert Gordon Walker explains the vocabulary of rugs, the techniques of identification, how rugs are made, the great families of rug styles, and the pitfalls that await the unwary buyer. A most welcome guide, complete with a color-coded chart to help with decorating schemes and 200 fine color photos.

Mapping the impact of the oh-so-popular Antiques Roadshow is fairly easy. The PBS TV series gave birth to increased attendance at antiques fairs and flea markets, a growing valuation of all things old, and a marked rise in specialty "how to understand" books. Former British rug retailer-turned-broker Walker has done a more than credible job in delivering the data about Oriental rugs. With little ceremony, some choice words, and acres of pictures, he draws a recognizable portrait of Eastern good, bad, and so-so floor coverings. There is information on vocabulary, which leads to identification processes and actual details on specific geographic area rugs, including price, visage, color-texture, structure, and size. Also, short sections on the history, how-to-buy tips, and TLC for rugs are brief to seduce the reader and long enough to cover the topic. By far the best values are the author's notes; for instance, Hereze rugs are the most prized of the Turkish output, while Pakistan has only been producing coverings since the late 1940s. Barbara Jacobs
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