The Practical Book of Oriental Rugs (Classic Reprint)

INTRODUCTION JUST when the art of weaving originamd is an uncertainty, but there seems to be a consensus of opinion among archreologists in general that it was in existence earlier than the 24th century before Christ. The first people which we have been able with certainty to associate with this art were the, ancient Egyptians. 1fonuments of ancient Egypt and of 1fesopotamia bear witness that the products of the hand loom date a considerable time prior to 2400 B.C., and on the tombs of Beni-Hassan are depicted women weaving rugs on looms very much like those of the Orient at the present time. From ancient literature we learn that the palaces of the Pharaohs were ornamented with rugs; that the tomb of Cyrus, founder of the ancient Persian monarchy, was covered with a Babylonian carpet and that Cleopatra was carried into the presence of Cresar wrapped in a rug of the finest texture. Ovid vividly described the weaver's loom. In Homer's Iliad we find these words: "T

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS; PART I; PAGE; INTRODUCTION • • • • • • • • • • • • • 17; Age of the weaving art; Biblical reference to the; weaving art; a fascinating study; the artistic worth; and other advantages of the Oriental products over; the domestic; annual importation; I COST AND TARIFF • • • • • 25; Upon what· depends the value; the various profits; made; transportation charges; export duties; import; duties; cost compared with that of domestic products;; some fabulous prices; II DEALERS AND AUCTIONS 31; Oriental shrewdness; when rugs are bought by the; bale; the auction a means of disposing of poor fabrics;; fake bidders; III ANTIQUES • • • • 35; The antique craze; why age enhances value; what; constitutes an antique; how to determine age; antiques; in the Orient; antiques in America; celebrated; antiques; American collectors; artificia