Tribal Rugs

The traditional rugs of the Middle East and Central Asia have long been celebrated for their intricate beauty and careful craftsmanship. Handed down through generations, the ancient art of rug weaving has persisted through countless decades of environmental change and political turmoil.

In Tribal Rugs: A Complete Guide to Village and Nomadic Carpets, Oriental rug historian and dealer James Opie has compiled a detailed history of the rich tradition of rug weaving. Informed by years of careful study and innumerable trips to the bazaars and villages where these gorgeous carpets are woven and sold, this lavishly illustrated book clearly explains the history and culture surrounding a wide variety of Oriental rug styles, in addition to the weaving and dyeing techniques, tools, and materials used in their creation. Tribal Rugs traverses the Islamic World, investigating the rugs historically created by the nomadic peoples of

• Iran
• Afghanistan
• Turkey
• The Caucasus
• And Central Asia

Replete with full-color photos and detailed information, Tribal Rugs captures the deep beauty and artistry of Oriental rugs in many shapes and styles. This engaging, trusted guide is perfect for the coffee tables and libraries of rug collectors, aficionados, artists, and historians.

Providing a survey of the rug weavings of the nomadic peoples of the core of ancient Persia, Tribal Rugs follows the history of their design evolution from the 2500-year-old Pazyryk rug to the present day. Accompanying this discussion are over 300 color photographs and diagrams identifying the relationships between the different patterns.