Textiles Studies
Date of this Version
1993
Document Type
Article
Citation
Exhibition, The Textile Museum, Washington, DC, October 15, 1993 - May 1, 1994
Abstract
Have you ever just stared at an Oriental carpet? Have you ever wondered what makes it so attractive, fascinating, or puzzling? Have you admired its simplicity or its intricacy? Have you ever wondered where it came from? Or, how it was made?
What is an Oriental Carpet? attempts to answer some of these questions. Conceived in response to visitors' requests for more basic information about textiles, this educational approach encourages the viewer to participate in an exploration of Oriental carpets.
Although the terms carpet and rug are often interchanged, here a carpet is defined as a fairly large pile-weaving intended for use as a floor covering, while the term rug refers to a much wider variety of objects originally made for utilitarian purposes. Weavings selected for exhibition include fine examples from Turkey, the Caucasus and Central Asia; supreme craftsmanship and drawing are exemplified in classical fragments from Iran and India. Various layouts are represented, including prayer rugs, and carpets with central medallions and those with overall repeat patterns. Several weavings extend the definition of rugs beyond carpets to include a bread pouch, cargo carrier and flat -woven cradle
Included in
Art and Materials Conservation Commons, Art Practice Commons, Fiber, Textile, and Weaving Arts Commons, Indigenous Studies Commons, Museum Studies Commons
Comments
© The Textile Museum, 1993