How to read Islamic carpets
By: Walter B. Denny
Contributors: Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, N.Y.)
Series: How to read -- 4; How to read (Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, N.Y.)) -- 4.
Publisher: The Metropolitan Museum of Art; Yale University Press
Published: 2014
Language: eng
Number of pages: 143
ISBN-13: 9780300208092; 9781588395405
Subjects: History; Technique; Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, N.Y.); Islamic rugs
Other titles: Islamic carpets
Description: Carpets made in the "Rug Belt" - an area that includes Morocco, North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and northern India - have been a source of fascination and collecting since the 13th century. This engaging and accessible book explores the history, design techniques, materials, craftsmanship, and socio-economic contexts of these works, promoting a better understanding and appreciation of these commonly seen and frequently misunderstood pieces. Forty examples of Islamic carpets are illustrated with new photographs and revealing details. The lively texts guide readers, teaching them "how to read" clues present in the carpets that allow them to deconstruct the history, techniques, significance and materials in each piece. Denny situates these carpets within the cultural and social realm of their production, be it a nomadic encampment, a rural village, or an urban workshop. This is an essential guide for students, collectors and professionals who want to understand the art of the Islamic carpet.
Notes: "This book explores the history, design techniques, materials, craftsmanship, and socio-economic contexts of these works. Fifty-five examples of Islamic carpets are illustrated with new photographs and revealing details.  Walter B. Denny situates these carpets within the cultural and social realm of their production, be it in a nomadic encampment, a rural village, or an urban workshop."

Includes bibliographical references.
Table of contents: title: Reading carpet technique; title: Stylistic evolutions; title: Tracing carpet history; title: Reading carpet symbolism; title: Beyond the Islamic world.