Wednesday, May 19, 2010

New Rug/Textile Books and a $9,500,000 Carpet

We have finally received a copy of the Christie's sale showing for the first time in full color the carpet that has the rug world agog. This "vase" carpet, first published in Pope's Survey of Persian Art brought $9.5 million. We have also acquired a few new titles since the first of the month:

Ames, Frank WOVEN MASTERPIECES OF SIKH HERITAGE: THE STYLISTIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE KASHMIR SHAWL UNDER MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH (1780-1839) Antique Collectors' Club Woodbridge 2010 208 Color Plates 18 Black and White 256 pp. 9.5 x 12 Hardback in dustjacket in New condition In this new, ground-breaking work, Woven Masterpieces of Sikh Heritage, Frank Ames' unique passion for the subject reveals the events and ideas that transpired within this Khalsa (Sikh Brotherhood) movement, transforming the Kashmir shawl to one of powerful ethnic proportions. During this era of Punjab's colorful history a variety of complex and enigmatic patterns emerged, some purely geometric, others symbolic, which have long eluded textiles experts. Maharaja Runjit Singh's takeover of Kashmir in 1819 had an extraordinary impact on the fashion of the legendary Kashmir shawl, giving rise to a major artistic expression in the subcontinent". Through the exploration of miniature painting of Northern India and the hill states, Kashmiri manuscripts, the Sikh Holy Scriptures of the Sri Adi Granth and Janam Sakhis, and illustrations of unique shawls from world collections, Ames describes with his usual penchant for exacting detail the nature and source of these enigmatic patterns that define the Sikh period. In addition, textile enthusiasts will discover new material in chapters devoted to the Mughal period, lacquer painting and Indo-Persian shawl influences and trade." -Publisher $90

Christie's London ORIENTAL RUGS AND CARPETS APRIL 15, 2010 Christie's London Sale #7845. This auction resulted in the highest price ever paid for an Oriental rug. This is the first time this carpet has been published in color. Includes prices realized. $75

Gao Chunming EXQUISITE FABRICS: TRADITIONAL CHINESE WEAVING AND EMBROIDERY PATTERNS Better Link Press Shanghai 2010 1300 Color Plates 618 pp. 11 x 16 Hardback in Slipcase in As New condition. Massive and beautiful, "an impressive compilation of over one thousand traditional Chinese designs found in weaving and embroidery. Known as zhiwen or wen in ancient China, these traditional patterns are the products of brilliant artistic skills that have been passed down from one generation to the next...in a beautiful slipcase, this book presents a wide and comprehensive range of classical design motifs that include dragons, phoenix, birds, auspicious animals, floral patterns, insects and fish, figures and religious and allegorical motifs" -Publisher $250

Jaime Valentin Coquis ed. ENIGMATIC TEXTILE ART OF THE PERUVIAN AMAZON: ASHANINKA, MATSIGUENKA, YANESHA, YINE / TEJIDOS ENIGMÁTICOS DE LA AMAZONÍA PERUANA: ASHÁNINKA, MATSIGUENKA, YÁNESHA, YINE Cotton Knit SAC Lima 2006 170 Color Plates 152 pp. 9.25 x 11.25 Hardback in Fine condition This bilingual edition shows through full color illustrations and text the textile art of the Peruvian Amazon, the different techniques of spinning, garments and ornaments worn and the use of dyes. English/Spanish text. $150

Miller, Mrs. Grace THE CARE AND PRESERVATION OF RUGS AND CARPETS FOR WOMEN WHO TURN HOUSES INTO HOMES The Scott and Fetzer Co. Cleveland 1923 27 pp. 6 x 9 Paperback in Very Good condition Guide to cleaning carpets and sales brochure from the Scott and Fetzer Company, makers of the Vacuette vacuum cleaner. $45

Ozbel, Kenan TURK KOYLU CORAPLARI (KNOTTED STOCKINGS FROM TURKISH VILLAGES) Turkiye is Bankasi Kultur Yayinlari Istanbul 1981 192 Color Plates 142 Black and White 363 Figures 184 pp. 8 x 11 Paperback in chipped dustjacket. Deaccessioned from a museum research library with usual markings. Probably the first edition of GWO 2330. A detailed presentation of patterns and types of knitted socks. Turkish text. Most of these patterns are found on rugs and flatweaves from Turkey. $95

Sodikova, Naphisa NATIONAL UZBEK CLOTHES (XIX-XX CENTURIES) Tashkent 2003 111 Color Plates 159 pp. 8.5 x 11.5 Paperback in Very Good condition. Slight cracking to spine, edgewear and crease to back cover. Museum exhibition of traditional textiles, clothing and hats from Central Asia. English-Russian-Uzbek text. $75

Sotheby's Doha THE PEARL CARPET OF BARODA MARCH 19, 2009 Sotheby's 8.25 x 10.5 Paperback in Fine Condition Sale # D09005. Sale of the carpet embroidered with one and a half million "Basra" pearls, this auction catalog displays complete and closeup images as well as descriptions of the history and manufacture of this unique beaded carpet. $45

Stone, Peter ORIENTAL RUG REPAIR: STEP-BY-STEP REKNOTTING AND RECONSTRUCTION, CARE AND PRESERVATION Thames and Hudson Buchanan 2010 37 Color Plates 363 Black and White 232 pp. 8.5 x 11 Hardback with concealed wire-o binding in New condition Comprehensive guide to all kinds of repair, cleaning and care of Oriental rugs. Revised and expanded edition of the 2000 publication. Includes a glossary and bibliography. "An indispensable owner's manual and an invaluable sourcebook for collectors and dealers. This comprehensive book covers all the essential techniques, materials and tools you will need to repair and maintain oriental rugs. The accessible text is accompanied by clear step-by-step diagrams and illustrations that teach you how to: • assess damaged areas • understand rug structure • select yarn • reknot • reconstruct warp and weft • use patches • repair selvage and edges • repair ends and flatweaves • wash rugs, remove stains and carry out general maintenance. Oriental Rug Repair is a must-have reference for beginners and a useful sourcebook for dealers and collectors." -Publisher $30

LES NOUVELLES COLLECTIONS DE L'UNION CENTRALE DES ARTS DECORATIFS AU PALAIS DU LOUVRE, PAVILLON DE MARSON, 19E SERIE: TAPIS, TISSUS ET FAIENCES ORIENTALES, SUITE DES TISSUS (EUROPE, XVIIIE ET XIXE SIECLES) Librairie d'Art Decoratif / Armand Guerinet Paris (1900?) 112 Black and White Plates 8.25 x 12 Hardback portfolio in Very Good condition. Edgeworn. Portfolio has been professionally rebound. GWO 2441. Number 19 of this series on the museum collection. About half of the plates are of rugs and textiles with the remainder being Islamic tile work and ceramics. Complete. $75

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