Product Description

In this review, the author draws upon his experience in the trade, in order to demonstrate how to recognize the different structural and design features of oriental rugs and carpets. All the types made throughout the Orient - from the Balkans to Peking - are grouped here, not by place of manufacture but by design, illuminating the history of each pattern. The author shows the vital influence of the ethnographic backgrounds of the various carpet-producing centres over all important designs. He presents illustrations of contemporary examples and descriptions of key characteristics - construction, materials, sizes, colours - together with an area-by-area appraisal of the quality of modern production. An introductory account of the history and essential features of oriental carpets contributes to this volume's usefulness as a reference guide.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #219078 in Books
• Published on: 1992-03-23
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 352 pages

Customer Reviews

detailed and informative for the novice
I found this book to be of tremendous help when choosing a Tabriz - Isfahan carpet. PRJ Ford gives a detailed summary of the regions and then discusses the individual designs. I found the knots per square meter to be very useful, thereby establishing the finer or coarser weave of the carpet. The author also comments on the influences the tribe and villagers at the time used in their carpets. The full colour layout of the photographs make it easy to identify the various carpets when thinking of buying. Very useful guide and a must to have.

Best General Starting Point
If you are interested in oriental carpets either to purchase, or to learn more about them this is the best general book around. The book is separated into types of design woven rather than what carpet is woven in a particular country or region. The book is filled with plates of carpets you can easily expect to find in a good dealer, unlike most books which give examples you are unlikely to find outside of a museum. The only criticism I would give is that the book is outdated when looking at rugs produced today particularly regarding the production now in Pakistan. Ford also tends to give a very negative view on some carpets without detailed reasons. However this is easily the best book to start your interest.

An updated version is surely needed soon.