PART II_The Practical Book of Oriental Rugs

[Illustration: SHIRVAN RUG

PROPERTY OF LIBERTY & CO., LONDON, ENGLAND

Of a rather unusual color combination for a Caucasian product, drab,

light and dark blue being the only colors of much prominence. The

diamond medallions in the field and the barber pole stripe in the

border are found in rugs of nearly every class but more especially

in the Caucasian fabrics. Note the numerous small animal and bird

forms scattered throughout the field.

(See page 265)]

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

difficult and it is not to be wondered at that authorities 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 everything in the trade which tended

towards charlatanism 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 following order: 1st, Persian;

2nd, Turkish; 3rd, Caucasian; 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, inasmuch as they are wholly

modern creations made merely upon a trade basis, often by machinery,

and after designs furnished by American and European designers.

[Illustration: BOKHARA CAMEL BAG HALF

Size 4' × 2'10"

PROPERTY OF MR. J. H. STANTON, AUBURN, N. Y.

(See page 284)]

{ Bakhshis

{ Herez { Gorevan

{ { Serapi (a)

{ Azerbijan { Kara Dagh (b)

{ { Kashan

{ { Souj-Bulak (c)

{ { Tabriz

{

{ { Bijar, Sarakhs, (d) Lule (e)

{ Ardelan { Kermanshah

{ { Senna (c)

{

{ { Feraghan (f)

{ { Hamadan

PERSIAN OR { { Ispahan

IRANIAN { Irak-Ajemi { Joshaghan (g)

{ { Saraband (h)

{ { Saruk

{ { Sultanabad { Mahal (i)

{ { Muskabad (i)

{

{ Farsistan or Fars { Niris, Laristan (j)

{ { Shiraz

{

{ { Herat (k)

{ Khorasan { Khorasan proper

{ { Meshed

{

{ Kirman { Kirman

{

{ Eastern Kurdistan { Kurdistan proper.

(a) After the village of Serab.

(b) Mountains.

(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 formerly 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.

(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

marketed at Herat.

{ Angora { Kir Shehr

{

{ Brousa { Oushak

{

{ { Karaman

{ { Konieh proper

{ Anatolian { Konieh { Mujur

{ { { Ladik (a)

{ { { Yuruk (b)

{ {

{ { { Ak-Hissar

{ { { Anatolian proper

{ { { Bergama

Turkish { { Smyrna { Ghiordes

{ { Kulah

{ { Meles (c)

{ { Makri

{ { Smyrna proper

{

{ Kurdistan { Mosul { Mosul proper

(a) A corruption of the word "Laodicea."

(b) The word "Yuruk" means mountaineer.

{ Daghestan proper

{ Caucasia { Daghestan { Derbend

{ { Kabistan (a)

{ { Tchetchen, Chichi,

{ Tzitzi (b)

{

{ { Baku proper

CAUCASIAN { { Baku { Shemakha, Soumak (c)

{ { { Kashmir (d)

{ { { Shirvan (e)

{ {

{ Transcaucasia { Elizabethpol { Genghis, Ganja (f)

{ { Karabagh (e)

{

{ 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.

(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.

{ Khiva Bokhara

{ Turkestan { Beshir Bokhara

{ { Tekke Bokhara (a)

{ { Yomud Bokhara (b)

TURKESTAN OR {

TURKOMAN { Eastern Turkestan { Kashgar

{ { Yarkand

{

{ Russian Turkestan { Samarkand

Beluchistan { Beluchistan proper (c)

(a) Made by the Tekke-Turkomans who inhabit the plains to the west

of the Oxus.

(b) The name of a tribe of Turkomans who inhabit the western end

of Turkestan.

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.

[Illustration: SARUK RUG

Size 6' 4" × 4' 1"

FROM THE COLLECTION OF THE AUTHOR

Knot: Senna. Fourteen to the inch horizontally 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 vines covered with flowers 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 medallion 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 ivory. 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)]

[Illustration: PERSIA]

THE PERSIAN CLASSIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION

From the earliest time to the present the Persian 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 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 working 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 getting

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 wool is dyed and given out to the weavers to take

home and weave according to the designs and specifications furnished.

[Illustration: INSPECTING RUGS AT ISPAHAN]

[Illustration: PERSIAN VILLAGERS NEAR HAMADAN]

PERSIAN RUG PROVINCES

The following is a short description of the various Persian provinces

from which rugs come:

AZERBIJAN 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.

ARDELAN is the province just south of Azerbijan. Its inhabitants are

mostly Kurds and its capital is Kermanshah.

IRAK 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.

FARSISTAN or FARS, 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.

KHORASAN is Persia's most southeastern province 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.

KIRMAN is the most southerly province of Persia and the least known.

Being so difficult of access, it is seldom visited by the traveller;

consequently its products are free from outside influence. 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.

[Illustration: HEREZ CARPET

FROM THE COLLECTION OF MR. A. U. DILLEY]

HEREZ

A name applied to all carpets made in the mountainous 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 difficult

and sometimes impossible for the expert to differentiate. There is a

great prevalence 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 EXAMPLE 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; number horizontally five to twelve; number to the square

inch thirty to one hundred eighty.

WARP.--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.[A]--From $1.00 to $2.50 a square foot.

SIZES.--Six to ten by ten to twenty-six feet. Seldom in small sizes.

REMARKS.--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 fifteen; number horizontally from six to twelve; number

to the square inch forty-eight to one hundred eighty.

WARP.--Always cotton.

WOOF.--Always cotton, sometimes dyed brown.

NAP.--A rather coarse wool, clipped short.

SIDES.--Usually overcast, as a rule with different 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

frequently carries the Herati design.

PREVAILING COLORS.--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.

REMARKS.--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.

WHERE MADE.--Sometimes in the Herez district, sometimes on the looms of

Tabriz and sometimes 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; number

horizontally eight to twelve; making from eighty to two hundred sixteen

to the square inch.

[Illustration: GOREVAN CARPET

LOANED BY H. B. CLAFLIN & CO.]

WARP.--Always cotton.

WOOF.--Always cotton, sometimes dyed.

NAP.--Rather coarse but durable wool, which is generally clipped short.

SIDES.--Nearly always overcast, seldom selvaged.

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 products. Usually of a finer

weave and with more detail in design than the Gorevan.

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, the 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.

WARP.--Wool.

WOOF.--Natural brown or dyed wool. Usually extra woof threads.

NAP.--Wool of medium length, sometimes camels' hair.

SIDES.--Usually selvaged, occasionally overcast.

[Illustration: SERAPI CARPET

LOANED BY H. B. CLAFLIN & CO.]

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. Runners 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 somewhat superior.

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.

[Illustration: KASHAN SILK RUG

FROM THE COLLECTION OF MR. A. U. DILLEY]

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; number 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.

SIDES.--Overcast like other Kurdish rugs.

ENDS.--One end has plain selvage, the other selvage and loose warp

threads like most Kurdish rugs.

BORDER.--From two to five border stripes.

PREVAILING 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 serviceable.

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.

[Illustration: TABRIZ RUG

LOANED BY H. B. CLAFLIN & CO.]

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. Frequently 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 rugs. Seldom

are figures of birds, animals, or human 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 influences. They are so firm and closely woven that they are

stiff and non-flexible.

With the Kirman the Tabriz shares the reputation of having 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.

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 tribesmen

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.

WARP.--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.

Rich 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 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 Description.--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 Kermanshah 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.

[Illustration: BIJAR RUG

Size 3'9" × 2'9"

PROPERTY OF MISS EMILY DAVIS, BUFFALO, N. Y.]

WARP.--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.

BORDERS.--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.

REMARKS.--There is as much difference between the modern and the

antique Kermanshahs as there is between any two kinds of the Persian

class. The former are made at Tabriz or Sultanabad under European

supervision, are almost 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 ILLUSTRATED

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 number 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.

WARP.--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.

[Illustration: SENNA RUG

(HERATI DESIGN)

OWNED BY H. B. CLAFLIN & CO.]

BORDER.--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

invariably 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. Sometimes

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.

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.

WARP.--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.

[Illustration: FERAGHAN RUG

(HERATI DESIGN)

PROPERTY OF THE TIFFANY STUDIOS, NEW YORK CITY]

BORDER.--From three to nine border stripes, which usually carry

small floral designs. Herati border is the most common and is almost

characteristic. Usually one wide border stripe with a background of

green and from one to four narrow border stripes on each side of it.

PREVAILING COLORS.--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. Occasionally 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 Feraghans 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.

REMARKS.--They rank among the best fabrics of Persia, but of late years

have fallen to the joblot level. The antiques are soft, durable and

heavy, but are scarce.

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.

HAMADAN

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.

[Illustration: HAMADAN RUG

PROPERTY OF MR. A. U. DILLEY]

NAP.--Usually good wool or camels' hair of medium length.

WEAVE.--Antiques fine. Moderns coarse.

SIDES.--Overcast.

ENDS.--Fringe at one end and hemmed web at the other.

BORDER.--Three to six border stripes, usually four. The characteristic

feature is a broad outside 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 generally 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. Antiques 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

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.--Isfayan. Sometimes, like the Feraghan, 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.

WARP.--Cotton.

WOOF.--Cotton.

NAP.--Best, soft, glossy wool.

WEAVE.--Usually close and even.

SIDES.--Overcast.

ENDS.--Narrow web with loose warp ends.

[Illustration: ISPAHAN RUG

(SHAH ABBAS DESIGN)

BY COURTESY OF THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF NEW YORK CITY]

BORDER.--From three to five border stripes, 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 frequently employed.

PREVAILING 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 impossible 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.

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.--Djoshaghan, Djushaghan, Youraghan.

WHY SO NAMED.--After the Persian village and the district of Joshaghan,

where they are made.

KNOT.--Ghiordes. Number vertically eight to twenty; number horizontally

eight to twenty: number to square inch sixty-four to four hundred.

WARP.--Wool.

WOOF.--Wool.

NAP.--Fine wool of medium length.

SIDES.--Overcast.

ENDS.--A thin narrow web with loose warp threads at each end.

BORDER.--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.

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.

PRICES.--$2.00 to $5.00 per square foot.

REMARKS.--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.

WARP.--Always cotton.

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 frequently

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

background 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 Saraband 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.

[Illustration: SARABAND RUG

Size 3' 4" × 5'

PROPERTY OF MRS. THOMAS E. MATTHEWS, MT. CLEMENS, MICH.]

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 covered with the pear design

arranged in rows, the stems of each successive row running in the

opposite direction. This is nearly always the case and with the

exception of the Shiraz it seems to distinguish the field from that

of other rugs such as the Khorasan 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.

PRICES.--$2.00 to $6.00 per square foot.

REMARKS.--Sarabands are usually firm in texture, lie well, never grow

monotonous, and, on the whole, are most satisfactory.

THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED

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.

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.

BORDER.--Three to five border stripes, usually three. Generally the

Herati border, occasionally 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.

DESIGNS.--There is always a medallion. Flowers freely introduced. Often

queer-shaped floral figures.

SIZES.--Three to five by five to twenty feet. Usually oblong.

PRICES.--$2.50 to $6.00 per square foot.

REMARKS.--Sometimes called the "Modern Ispahan."

THE EXAMPLES ILLUSTRATED

Two plates in color of Saruks are given--at pages 40 and 166, with

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 European 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.

NAP.--Good quality of wool, usually of medium length.

SIDES.--Overcast.

ENDS.--Short web and loose warp threads of medium length.

BORDER.--Usually three border stripes, one wide one with a narrow one on

either side. The Herati border design is the most frequent.

PREVAILING COLORS.--Bright reds, browns, blues, pinks, and greens with

white.

DYES.--A large percentage are aniline dyed.

DESIGNS.--Usually large scrolls and floral patterns. The Herati design

is quite common.

SIZES.--Carpet sizes only, eight to fifteen by ten to twenty.

PRICES.--From $1.00 to $3.00 a square foot.

REMARKS.--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.

[Illustration: MAHAL CARPET

(GULI HENNA DESIGN)

LOANED BY MR. A. U. DILLEY]

KNOT.--Ghiordes. Number vertically eight to twelve; number horizontally

five to eight; 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 employed 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. Alternating rows of

geometrical and floral designs.

PRICES.--From $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot.

REMARKS.--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 heavy 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.

[Illustration: NIRIS (LARISTAN) RUG

PROPERTY OF MR. FREDERIC P. WARFIELD, NEW YORK CITY]

SIDES.--Overcast or braided with wool of two 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 running

through it.

BORDER.--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.

PREVAILING COLORS.--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.

PRICES.--$1.25 to $3.00 per square foot.

REMARKS.--They seldom lie well. They are often crooked and puffed up.

The Bergama is the only other rug made with tassels along the sides.

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, which 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 vertically six to twelve; number

horizontally eight to twelve; number to square inch forty-eight to one

hundred forty-four.

WARP.--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.

[Illustration: SHIRAZ RUG

Size 3'6" × 4'8"

PROPERTY OF MR. J. H. STANTON, AUBURN, N. Y.]

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

direction. 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 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.

BORDER.--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 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.

[Illustration: SHIRAZ RUG

LOANED BY MR. A. U. DILLEY

(See page 206)]

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 distribution 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.

BORDER.--From three to seven border stripes. The Herati design very

common.

PREVAILING 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

predominates. The Herati is common. Animals and birds are frequently

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.

[Illustration: KIRMAN PRAYER RUG

Size 6' × 4'

PROPERTY OF MRS. E. N. TRUMP, SYRACUSE, N. Y.]

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.

BORDER.--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.

PREVAILING 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.

SIZES.--All sizes from mats to carpets.

PRICES.--From $2.00 to $5.00 per square foot.

REMARKS.--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,

commercial 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.

TRUMP 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.

KIRMAN 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.

[Illustration: KIRMAN RUG

PROPERTY OF MRS. C. B. HOLMES, WATERBURY, CONN.]

KNOT.--Always the Ghiordes. Number vertically 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 between 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 different colored wools, most

frequently brown.

ENDS.--Usually a thick narrow selvage with 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.

BORDER.--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, 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 intervals 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 expensive.

REMARKS.--Freest of all from outside influences. 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 distributed 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.

[Illustration: KURDISTAN RUG

(MINA KHANI DESIGN)

PROPERTY OF THE TIFFANY STUDIOS, NEW YORK CITY]

THE TURKISH CLASSIFICATION

[Illustration: KULAH HEARTH RUG

Size, 7'2" × 4'4"

BY COURTESY OF NAHIGIAN BROS., CHICAGO, ILL.

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 another

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 opposing 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 became 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)]

[Illustration: TURKEY]

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 European 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

factories. As a rule these people earn barely enough to clothe and feed

themselves, but those who have been able to lay by anything generally

invest their earnings in carpets, as people of other countries often do

in diamonds and precious stones, handing 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 geometrical 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 Armenians 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 fabrics bear no relation to antiques of the same

name.

The southern part of Armenia is called Kurdistan. It is inhabited by

wandering, warlike tribes of Nomads, who pasture their flocks in the

southern plains in the winter and go to the mountain 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 description of the various

Turkish rugs.

KIR SHEHR

SYNONYMS.--Kirit Shehr, Kirshehir, Kirshcher.

WHY SO NAMED.--After a town of that name in 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.

WARP.--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.

BORDER.--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.

[Illustration: KIR SHEHR PRAYER RUG

PROPERTY OF E. B. GUILE, UTICA, N. Y.]

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.

PRICES.--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 Shehr 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 conventionalized floral design,

green, yellow and pale blue flower devices on waving vine tracery.

Two medium stripes in different 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, coniferæ. Between

each outer pair of trees is a little temple. Above and below in the

field are curious devices evidently picturing some presumably

sacred 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 photograph to assist us in

the classification, we are obliged to accept 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

Mediterranean seaboard.

BY WHOM MADE.--Mostly by Greek Mohammedans 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.

[Illustration: KIR SHEHR HEARTH RUG

PROPERTY OF MR. HENRY SIEGEL, BOSTON, MASS.]

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.

BORDER.--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 medallions 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 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.

WARP.--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.

[Illustration: KONIEH PRAYER RUG

Size 5'3" × 3'10"

LOANED BY MAJOR L. B. LAWTON, U. S. ARMY]

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 important

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.

BORDER.--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.

DYES.--Splendid in the antiques. Some of the modern ones are aniline

dyed.

DESIGNS.--Rather crude. Generally plain centre. Prayer design common.

SIZES.--Three to five by four to seven. Also mats.

PRICES.--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 DESCRIPTION.--A most unique and rare specimen

of an obscure Anatolian weave. Good Koniehs are quite as scarce as

good Kulahs 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 buff. This old rug is as thick

as a Kazak. For softness of tone it rivals the most delicate silk

rug.

MERCER RUG (page 138).--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.)

[Illustration: MADEN PRAYER RUG

Size 4'5" × 3'3"

PROPERTY OF DR. E. B. GUILE, UTICA, N. Y.]

MUJUR

SYNONYM.--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.

WARP.--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 without short knotted warp ends.

SIDES.--Finished with a three or four corded selvage.

PREVAILING COLORS.--Red, 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.

PRICES.--Rather high on account of their scarcity. From $2.00 to $10.00

a square foot.

REMARKS.--This class of rugs is so rare that it is not mentioned by any

of the American or English authors.

THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED

OWNER'S DESCRIPTION.--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

thinning of the pile where the knees of the devotee rested while at

his devotion, evidence its antiquity. The panel of lavender above

the prayer arch is notable, as is the pigeon blood ruby of the

field. While this rug has evidently done duty for many years, it

was probably 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.

[Illustration: LADIK PRAYER RUG

Size 5'10" × 3'11"

PROPERTY OF COLONEL GEORGE G. BRIGGS, GRAND RAPIDS,

MICH.]

WARP.--Always wool, generally of a fine texture 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.

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.

REMARKS.--Not many modern ones. They somewhat resemble the Bergama, but

are somewhat brighter and heavier.

THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED

MAJ. L. B. LAWTON'S DESCRIPTION.--Choice antique Ladiks 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.