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by: Enza Milanesi
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Book 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.
Editorial Reviews 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.
Reviews Collected: Christine Temin, Boston Globe Milanesi explains the making of carpets, the meaning of their symbolic designs and the milieus in which they were created. Best of all the book boasts a wealth of color photographs that show exactly what she's talking about. Ottawa Citizen -- This beautifully illustrated and keenly researched book is a treasure for collectors of Oriental carpets. The Baltimore Sun Besides being full of information about where and how carpets are made, the book has sumptuous pictures of carpets ... this handsome book would make a great gift. Orlando Sentinel It's a toss up whether this book belongs in the home design or the fine art section of the bookstore.
Reviews:
Good overview of carpets -- This book is a good overview of carpets produced in eight areas- Anatolia, Persia, The Caucasus, Western Turkestan, Eastern Turkestan, India, China, and Europe. The listing of these titles of the various carpet areas should tell you that this book has focused on historical carpets. It is neither the most basic nor the most detailed of books on this subject. There is more emphasis on earlier, more historical carpets, and on more commercially produced rather than tribal carpets. The photographs are wonderful. Overall, I would give this book high marks. Target market for this book would be interior designers or highly informed buyers, not so much the rug dealers or other professionals who want even more detailed information.