LITMIR.BIZ

       introduction

      Rugs terms are confusing. The same rug may have a baffling variety of names. Some names refer to geographic or ethnic origin. Others refer to structure, design, or function. The names themselves may offer no clue as to the type of reference. Variant spellings of these names compound the problem. This confusion of terms discourages those seeking a beginning understanding of oriental rugs. It also frustrates those researching the subject. Even a Linnaeus could not bring order out of this chaos of names. However, a single source for commonly accepted definitions of oriental rug terms can dispel much of the confusion.

      There is a growing wealth of research in rug attribution, technical structures, ethnography, and history. This research is published in monographs, periodicals, and survey texts. By organizing this research under alphabetical entries, we can increase its usefulness for those seeking specific information about oriental rugs.

      SCOPE.

      This lexicon includes definitions and explanations for names and terms referring to:

      • pile rugs and flatweaves of the Near East, North Africa, continental Asia, Europe, and the United States

      • geographic locations and ethnic groups noted for their rugs and weavings

      • functional weavings of tribal and nomadic origin

      • the rug trade and the rug-weaving craft and industry

      • designs, motifs, and symbols of pile rugs and flatweaves

      • rug and textile structures

      • specific rugs of historical significance.

      RUG RESEARCH.

      Rugs have received greater recognition as art in recent years. During the same period, rug research has developed in scope and quality. Researchers in oriental rug studies have adopted the scientific methods of art historians. These include detailed technical structural analysis, chemical and chromatographic dye analysis, and microscopic identification of fibers.

      Tribal weavings have received greater research attention. Recently, our understanding of southwest Persian tribal weavings, Baluchi weavings, and Kurdish weavings has grown tremendously.

      These are very positive trends. At the same time, there are problems in rug research. Because oriental rugs are relatively fragile artifacts, the historical record is incomplete.