Drawing on the rich weaving traditions of the Near East and Central Asia, the clearly presented text is divided into six major regional and tribal groupings, covering Anatolian, Baluchi, Caucasian, Kurdish, Persian and Turkmen motifs. These are subdivided into more precise attributions and motif types, examining the derivations and uses of medallions, field repeats and borders, as well as the relationships between them. This detailed analysis of designs and their component elements provides a vital key to accurate attribution. Striking diagrams illustrate the way in which individual motifs may be adapted and reinterpreted over time, their evolution crossing historical, cultural and geographic boundaries. Lavishly illustrated, this study will not only be an invaluable aid to identifying the flourishing variety of tribal and village rug motifs, but will also create a new understanding of their extraordinary beauty and provide a treasure house of creative inspiration for designers of all kinds.

Tribal Rugs: Treasures of the Black Tent is an exploration of one of the most ancient crafts of the world. Beginning with the discovery of the oldest complete rug, which has been dated to the fifth century bc, the reader is led through the weaving history of the nomadic peoples of Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, the Caucasus and Central Asia. Each chapter introduces a different group of tribes and illustrates the rugs, carpets, kilims and utilitarian bags attributed to their weavers. Tribal weaving, together with the use of natural vegetable dyes, began its swift decline around the turn of the twentieth century under the twin assaults of civilisation and commercialism. This book is both a celebration of the woven legacy left by the tribes and a tribute to the skill and artistry of the women who created these wonderful works of tribal art. It is hoped that it will provide an introduction to the novice and excite the more knowledgeable to further study. The book is illustrated in colour throughout with examples of the finest work of each tribe, the majority of the illustrations being previously unpublished. This is a completely new edition with updated text and many new photographs. AUTHOR: Brian W. MacDonald was born in Inverness, Scotland. He spent five years in Iran in the 1970s, including a year with two tribal groups: the Afshar of Kerman and the Qashqa i of Fars. He was elected a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society in 1990 for his work amongst the Persian tribes. He lectures on Eastern Rugs and holds regular exhibitions at his own establishment, Samarkand Galleries in Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire. SELLING POINTS: An exploration of the weaving history of the nomadic tribes of Asia Illustrated with each tribe's finest work, including many previously unpublished photographs 220 colour illustrations *

This monumental reference work--long awaited by collectors and scholars--fills an important gap in the available literature on oriental rugs. Lavishly illustrated with over 1000 photographs and drawings, it offers clear and precise definitions for the rug and textile terms in use across a broad swath of the globe--from Morocco to Turkey, Persia, the Caucasus region, Central Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and China. Covering priceless museum-quality rug traditions as well as modern centers of production, Oriental Rugs: An Illustrated Lexicon of Motifs, Materials, and Origins draws on classical scholarship as well as current terminology in use among producers and traders in these areas today. It focuses primarily on the rich hand-knotting and hand-weaving traditions of the Near East and Central Asia, but also includes some examples of Scandinavian and Native American weavings. Oriental rugs are receiving ever-increasing attention and recognition in the field of art history. Tribal weavings especially have become a focus for new research, and Oriental Rugs provides a new understanding of many distinctive traditions that were previously understudied, such as the weavings of southwest Persia, Baluchistan and Kurdistan. This concise oriental rug reference book is a must-have for scholars and anyone serious about collecting rugs, selling rugs or the rug trade in general. Additional reference information also includes: Foreign terms Place names The Oriental Rug lexicon Museums with notable rug collections Oriental rug internet sites

Orient Stars: A Carpet Collection (London & Stuttgart 1993) is a survey of the most important private collection of carpets and kilims of the late 20th century. Ranging from 12th century Turkish carpets to 19th century Caucasian and Anatolian rugs and kilims, the collection reflects the determination of the late Heinrich Kirchheim and his wife Waltraut. 219 carpets are discussed by the world's leading experts and have become benchmarks in terms of rarity, connoisseurship and research. The book revealed, for the first time, carpets of types previously only seen in Old Master paintings and set the standard for scientific analysis and fine art printing. Described as 'maybe the most splendidly produced major rug book ever', this limited-edition volume with slipcase captures the most exciting private collection of rugs created in living memory and explains why the 'Orient Stars' Collection launched a new global interest in the field of carpet collecting.

"One of the most useful books to cover the whole of the field...Mr. Ford is to be congratulated on having produced a work that should stand the test of time." Carpet Review Weekly