by:
Milanesi, Enza

Publisher:
Firefly Books Ltd
Published:October 1, 1999
ISBN:1552094383
Format:Hardcover
Pages:200

Description: From Library Journal
Art historian Milanesi presents a beautiful photographic compendium of carpets representing the main geographic areas of production: Anatolia, Persia, the Caucasus, India, western and eastern Turkestan, China, and the historical European centers. More than just a pretty catalog, her book serves as a useful guide for identifying and studying carpets. Milanesi ably describes and illustrates materials, dyes, knots, and weaving technology and examines layout and design; also provided is an analysis of the cultures in which these carpets were created. The text combines a discussion of the symbolism of motifs with a visual presentation of photographs and design diagrams. While providing a comprehensive stylistic study and interpretation that will interest experts, Milanesi gives even a novice the ability to understand the decorative and technical aspects of these functional yet sophisticated artistic objects. Recommended for general and subject collections.
-Judith Yankielun Lind, Roseland Free P.L., NJ
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description:
From the perspective of Western culture, it is not always easy to understand the complexities of the antique Oriental carpet. Part of the fascination lies in its dual nature as a simple, even humble artifact intended to be used in a variety of ways as well as a sophisticated artistic object with ancient designs unfamiliar to us. Providing the tools to understand the decorative and technical aspects of a carpet, including its geographic area of production, "The Carpet: Origins, Art and History" is a handsome reference book for lovers of art and antiques who are eager to deepen their knowledge of this intriguing world. Intentionally neither a manual nor a guide, this book aims to inform and captivate.

"The Carpet" celebrates its subject with clear and concise text as well as photographs and design diagrams that illustrate the most important ancient carpets. The stunning photographs capture the beauty and intricacy of this extraordinary art and play an important role in the critique and analysis of the various carpet specimens. With diagrams and drawings, this book provides an inspiring study of the carpet in all its dimensions, from decoration and its interpretation to the layout system, the ornamental motifs and their symbolic meaning and origin.

Art historian Enza Milanesi lives in Rome, Italy, where she teaches and lectures on artistic techniques and has, for many years, assisted the Italian Ministry of Cultural Assets in the cataloging of art-history materials. A scholar and an avid lover of antiques, Milanesi has a special affection for the world of carpets.