Oriental Carpets

This lecture course examines the major regional types of oriental carpets, beginning with what is known of their origins in Central Asia more than 2,500 years ago. Knotted-pile and flat-woven carpets and related weavings from Turkey, Iran, and the Caucasus are studied with reference to the cultures that produced them. Regional patterns and weaving structures are examined and classified, and the differences between carpets woven by nomadic tribal groups, settled villagers, urban commercial producers, and ateliers working for the court are emphasized. Museums, galleries, and auction houses are visited for the study of a wide variety of carpets. 3 credits.