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.