FROM THE PUBLISHER

A beautiful, practical introduction to Oriental carpets for laymen, designers, and collectors, presented from the perspective of a successful, third-generation wholesaler. Using concise text, over 370 vivid color photographs, and more than 45 detailed line drawings, J.R. Azizollahoff explains the complexities, intricacies and irregularities in old handmade carpets and identifies the more important rug types. The combined text, photographs and drawings also bring to light what dealers look for and examine when evaluating an antique carpet. Also provided is a look at new carpets, which gives the reader a glimpse of the wonderful energy and creativity to be found in modern rugs. Approximate values are included with the photographs as a helpful guide for consumers and collectors. The book's bibliography provides useful listings for further research.

SYNOPSIS

From the Author:

The purpose of this book is a little different than most rug books in that I try to convey the essence or aesthetic of old and new oriental carpets in pictures. With 375 photographs, this may be the most copiously illustrated rug book ever published. In addition, I give down-to-earth data, as clearly and directly as possible, about oriental rugs so that buyers, by following my advice and the 48 diagrams which illustrate the imperfections in old carpets, can purchase rugs more safely. The prices that accompany each carpet illustrated caused a stir in the market because some rug dealers believed that estimates are entirely subjective and that no price should be put on carpets at all. While some old rug dealers felt that I gave away too many trade secrets, most would agree with me that an educated consumer, or one who does not buy blind, is ultimately good for business.

FROM THE CRITICS

Barry O'Connell - Rug News

I thought the problem with most rug books is that they are written by men for men, but it is much more insidious than that. The real problem with most rug books is that they are written by collectors for collectors. Recently I received a book that bucks that trend. The Illustrated Buyer's Guide to Oriental Carpets by J.R. Azizollahoff... is the first book on carpets that I can remember my wife... showing any real interest.... What then makes this carpet different than the vast assortment of rug books on the market today? First of all, this book is geared to the decorative rug buyer. It presents in a straight forward manner the best of each of the decorative categories. Most books make antique carpets the focus and sneer at new production. What Azizollahoff does is to present antique and new in a non-judgmental way that makes the new production look as attractive as the antique.... The photography is outstanding.... The rug selection is beautiful. He gives us a good cross-sample of the very best of the market. To those of us who sell rugs, it is a good benchmark to compare our own rugs.... The frank and open discussion of such subjects as cut and reduced, repaired and painted rugs is a wonderful refresher course for experienced dealers and invaluable for people learning the business.

Victorian Decorating & Lifestyle

This painstakingly detailed book,... fully illustrated with beautiful color photographs of old and new carpets of every type, will be a tremendous help in taking the mystery out of finding an Oriental carpet that is right for you.

Antiques & Collecting magazine

Oriental carpet lovers will value this informative book, written by a third generation oriental carpet dealer. The book speaks to the reader without fuss or flourish, provides basic, practical information, includes drawings to help illustrate defects and discusses carpet care.

Myrna Bloom - The East-West Room,

A workable criteria for the pricing of Oriental and machine-made rugs made from 1880 through 1950. Pictures, explanations, details, prices, clear, knowledgeably-written text from the voice of experience. Good advice on many topics concerning carpets and their intelligent purchase.... [ This ] is an informative book, worthy of attention by all levels of Oriental rug collectors and admirers. [ Mr. Azizollahoff 's ] family-run business originated in Iran, with branches in Europe and South Africa. [ The author ] is also a teacher, which partly explains his well-organized approach.

Antique Journal