Caucasian flat-woven carpets and textiles are explored in a fascinating text and 436 beautiful color photographs, including kilims, zilis, khorjins, and mafrash bedding bags. Weaving styles by the nomadic, indigenous peoples include a rich mixture of geometric and figurative forms recognized as uniquely Caucasian. Descriptions of the autor's field visits and investigation into the origins of these pieces are discussed through comparisons with artifacts in the Russian Ethnographic Museum in St. Petersburg.

The Caucasus is one of the most complicated regions in the world: with many different peoples and political units, differing religious allegiances, and frequent conflicts, and where historically major world powers have clashed with each other. Until now there has been no single book for those wishing to learn about this complex region. This book fills the gap, providing a clear, comprehensive introduction to the Caucasus, which is suitable for all readers. It covers the geography; the historical development of the region; economics; politics and government; population; religion and society; culture and traditions; alongside its conflicts and international relations. Written throughout in an accessible style, it requires no prior knowledge of the Caucasus. The book will be invaluable for those researching specific issues, as well as for readers needing a thorough introduction to the region.

Their vivid colours and attractive designs, often combined with supreme workmanship, make these Oriental tapestry-woven rugs a fascinating study. In this book, the first to be devoted entirely to kilims, the author has chosen to study kilims in general, examining as many examples as possible, and grouping them typologically and geographically. The result constitutes the first comprehensive review of an art form whose importance and outstanding artistic merit has hitherto gone unrecognized. The functions of kilims are varied, but always practical--coverings for furniture, rugs, prayer mats, door-hangings--thus reflecting a mentality which conceives of beauty not in the abstract, but within the context of everyday life. The kilims illustrated demonstrate an astonishing variety of design, pattern and technique; their structure is explained clearly, with accompanying diagrams; and their geographical and social background is outlined and illustrated. Kilims will interest all those intrigued by cultures outside their own, as well as collectors of Islamic art, architects, interior designers, students of primitive and tribal art, and the growing number of carpet-makers. -- Inside jacket flap.

Offers a comprehensive view of Caucasian pilewoven rugs and flatwoven textiles in the light of recent research on the subject

Madder red is an ancient dyestuff, extracted from the root of the madder plant, growing in many countries around the world. The secret and devilishly complex Oriental dyeing process to obtain the lustrous colour known as Turkey Red was avidly sought by Europeans, from the time before the fall of Ancient Rome. It was finally cracked by the French about 1760, who were able to dye wool, silk and cotton bright red. After the lowlands of the Caspian Caucasus had been subdued by the Russians in the early 1800s, madder was cultivated there and rapidly became the main crop. The quest for Turkey Red went hand in hand with an avalanche of scientific research, which not only improved the yield of dyestuff from the roots but led to its chemical synthesis and in 1870 the collapse of the world-wide madder industry. Many of the nascent dye companies grew into chemical giants of our time. Further regional and cultural background may be found in Chenciner's Daghestan: Tradition and Survival, also published in the Caucasus World series.