New York City,
February 1, 1908.

PREFACE

While there is a singular lack of books in the English language treating directly of Rugs,—a theme which is so intensely interesting to buyers,—it is noteworthy that under the category of Oriental Carpets are to be found a few volumes of interest. These, however, are too rare and expensive for the general reader. For this reason I have undertaken to present in a concise form certain facts that may enable a novice to appreciate the beauty and interest attaching to rugs, and assist a prospective purchaser in judging of the merits of any particular rug he may desire to possess.

For much valuable information on the subject I am indebted to publications which are referred to in my Bibliography, to correspondence with Ministers to Oriental countries and Consuls residing therein, to interviews with rug-dealers in various cities, and to certain learned Americans, Armenians, Greeks, Syrians and Turks. It has also been my good fortune to be intrusted, for purposes of description and reproduction, with many beautiful and rare rugs, from owners who cherish them as treasures. These true rug-lovers have generously contributed to whatever there may be of interest in this book.

R. B. H.

New York City,
August 1, 1901.

CONTENTS

Page
I. History and Details of Rug-weaving
The History[15]
The Loom and Its Work[22]
The Weavers[26]
The Materials[30]
The Quality[32]
The Knotting[34]
Designs[37]
The Dyes[44]
Oriental Colors[47]
II. Rug-Weaving in Egypt, Persia, and Turkey
Rug-Weaving in Egypt[51]
Persian Rugs[53]
Characteristics of Certain Persian Rugs[58]
Turkish Rugs[71]
Characteristics of Certain Turkish Rugs[74]
III. Rug-Weaving in India, Afghanistan, Beluchistan,
Central Asia, and the Caucasus Region
Indian Rugs[87]
Characteristics of Certain Indian Rugs[90]
Afghanistan Rugs[95]
Beluchistan Rugs[97]
Turkoman Rugs[98]
Characteristics of Certain Turkoman Rugs[100]
Caucasian Rugs[105]
IV. Miscellaneous Oriental Rugs
Rugs of the Holy Land[111]
Chinese Rugs[113]
Japanese Rugs[116]
Khilim Rugs[117]
Polish Rugs[119]
Prayer Rugs[120]
Silk Rugs[123]
Felt Rugs[126]
Hunting Rugs[128]
V. Rug-Weaving in Europe and the United States
Rug-Weaving in Europe and the United States[131]
Greek Rugs[132]
Moorish and Spanish Rugs[134]
Bosnian, Servian, Roumanian, and Bulgarian
Rugs[136]
English Rugs[138]
French Rugs[141]
Rugs of the United States[143]
VI. Miscellaneous Information
Inscriptions on Rugs[153]
Concerning Oriental Symbols[156]
Chinese Symbols[157]
Egyptian Symbols[158]
Indian Symbols[159]
Japanese Symbols[160]
Persian Symbols[160]
Turkish Symbols[160]
Miscellaneous Symbols[161]
Meanings of Some of the Place-Names Associated with Rugs[162]
Geographical Data[164]
Localities Arranged Geographically[165]
Localities Arranged Alphabetically[170]
List of Authorities[175]
Index[179]