The Carpet: Origins, Art and History
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., NJCopyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.