Persian Rugs and Carpets
Description
Hand-woven rugs from Persia are among the most exquisite art works ever created. In this fully revised edition of
Persian Rugs
, Essie Sakhai reveals recent discoveries that present us with a new understanding of this unique art. With hundreds of stunning new photographs, taken especially for this book, Sakhai takes us on a journey through Iran and beyond.
Beginning with the history and art of creating woven masterpieces,
Persian Rugs
goes on to present full-page examples of some of the most cherished and valuable rugs and carpets in the world. No two hand-woven carpets are the same, each with its own special property, beauty and quality. Sakhai has handpicked the most important of these and gives detailed explanations of how and why these art forms hold such singular and even mystical appeal. A new demand for original and ancient hand-woven pieces has increased their value greatly, leading to world-record prices being achieved at auction and important examples entering major museum collections around the world.
More details
Person
Born in Iran to a family with a long history of dealing in Persian carpets, perhaps it was inevitable that Essie Sakhai should become a respected expert on Oriental and Persian carpets, gaining much of his great knowledge from his father Benayahoo Sakhai. Essie lives in North London, though he spends most of his time at Essie Carpets on the corner of Albemarle Street and Piccadilly in London's Mayfair, carrying on the family tradition started in the 18th century. Essie is a true enthusiast and hopes through his extensive lectures, interviews and writing (his previous books include The Story of Carpets , which has been translated into many languages, The Buyers' Guide , and Persian Rugs and Carpets: The Fabric of Life ) to share his knowledge and passion for carpets with a wider audience.
Content
Introduction
1. A Wondrous Antiquity
2. A Unique Creation
3. City, Town and Small Urban Workshops
4. Tribal and Small Village Weaving
5. Flatweaves
6. Dating
7. Collecting
8. Fakes
9. Repair and Restoration
10. Investment
11. The Territories
12. The Dawn of a New Age
Index of Patterns and Motifs
General Index
Acknowledgements
Photo Credits