# ART PANEIiS FROM THE HANDIiOOMS Of THE Far Orient AS SEEN BY NATIVE RUG WEAVERS 153-154 WABASH AVENUE CHICAGO COMPLIMENTS OF PUgHM AN Brothers NATIVE IMPORTERS OF ORIENTAL RtTGS & CARPETS i PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers 152-154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO READING THE " KORAN " PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers TO THE PTJBLIC LMOST every day we have r \ some one asking us if there is any book published giving re- liable information regarding Ori- ental Rugs. In order to partly satisfy the public craving for some knowledge of a compara- tively " Unknown Art," we have spared no pains or expense in giving light to this little pamphlet, which we trust will perform its mission faithfully. N. B.— If you have any friends who would like to possess one of these pamphlets, kindly send us their names and addresses and we will mail one to each of them FREE OF CHARGE. PUSHMAN BROS. 3 152- 154 Wabash Avenue CHICAQO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers Oriental Rugs ONLY a few years ago Oriental Rugs were considered "art curiosities" — luxuries to be appreciated and enjoyed by people of great wealth and extreme refinement and culture. They seemed to be regarded as being beyond the reach of the public in general. It was a true idea in one sense, and altogether false in another. True, because as a matter of fact Oriental Rugs are " works of art" in the true sense of the word. A great many specimens can truly be called "masterpieces " from an artistic standpoint. The strictly original designs and wonderfully harmonizing com- bination of colorings in most Oriental Rugs for years have been and still are admired and wondered at by art critics all the world over. The very fact of their occupying promi- nent places in the largest museums of Europe and adorning the walls and floors of the "mosques" of the "prophet," tombs of sultans, shahs and faithful teachers of the Koran, palaces of kings, as well as palatial residences of the aris- tocracy, proves that fact beyond the shadow of a doubt. Still, it is false, because Oriental Rugs, besides being works of art to be admired by every one, combine with it the essential qualities of durability and usefubiess as floor coverings. They may be admired just as much as finest pictures, and yet used harder than the commonest floor cov- ering made, without the worry of possible injury. It isn't an uncommon thing, even to-day, to find rugs on the mar- ket that have passed the century mark. In fact, a truly 5 152 -154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers Antique Rug is supposed to have seen at least fifty years of hard service by the crude people of the Orient who weave them. They attain the height of their elegance after years of hard usage. The effect of walking over them barefooted, kneeling on them several times daily to say their prayers, and also the washing process of cleaning and exposing them to tlie strong rays of the tropical sun, tends to give a rich and glossy tone to the rugs, making them look like they were made of silk, instead of wool. So Oriental Rugs needn't necessarily be looked upon as belonging only to the wealthy. They may be possessed by all classes of people who appreciate real worth, as it is the best of economy to purchase and use them in preference to other inferior floor coverings ever so much less in value. The fact that the Oriental Rug trade has increased almost phenomenally within the last five years is a sufficient proof of the above assertion. People have come to realize that purchasing Oriental Rugs is an investment, as properly used and taken care of they last for generations and grow richer all the while ; in growing richer, they consequently grow also in value, as the older a rug the more price it commands on the market. So buying Oriental Rugs for floor covering is true economy. Next question that comes up is. What kind of Oriental Rugs is best to buy? A very difficult question to answer. "Oriental" is a very broad term, and there are a great many different makes included in that term. We believe we will be answering that question best by giving short but reliable information regarding the different makes, and leaving to the judgment and means of each individual to decide which kind to buy. First of all, we would like to describe briefly the way these rugs are made. It is needless to say that they are all 6 152 -154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers woven by hand, on a plain framework for a loom. Just imagine yourself for a minute in the fertile fields of Central Persia. It is a bright, cool morning. In walking around you happen to notice signs of habitation — a flock of sheep here, drove of camels there, herd of cattle yonder ; farther on you notice the tops of white tents. Climbing up the pleasant, meadowy hill, you imagine yourself on a camping ground, and yet those tents are the homes of the " nomadic " rug weavers — common "studios," sure enough. And yet some of the choicest gems of the handloom, so much prized by " connoisseurs," have seen their first light, perhaps, in the very tent that you have just entered. The furniture is plain— in fact there isn't much furniture to speak of. You are "salaamed " and invited to lounge on the " sofa," cov- ered by a " Kiz Kilim," woven, perhaps, by the bride of some years ago to present to her husband, who is offering you a delicious cup of coffee to welcome you, as those people, though uneducated and crude, yet are very hospit- able indeed. They are of the same opinion as Abraham on the subject, believing that in entertaining strangers they may be entertaining angels. The tent, small as it is, isn't any too small to serve as parlor, bedroom, sitting-room, din- ing-room, and accommodate several looms besides for mak- ing rugs. On your right hand, perhaps, there is the oldest daughter, busily engaged on some rug. The loom is like a square frame ; the two perpendicular sides made of rough wood, with cross-pieces inserted in between at both ends, on which the warp is stretched tight, and then the threads are parted for the shuttle with a stick. She is working so fast that you can't imagine that every piece of wool inserted in the warp is knotted fast to stay there, and when she gets through with each row across she pulls down the stick parting the warp and sends the shuttle through, combing 8 152 -154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers it down to fasten the knots tighter. Then she raises another stick, parting the warp again, and sends the shuttle through once more, binding the knots tighter than ever this time, and then she clips the ends of the wool even, bringing out the intricate pattern gradually. Where is the pattern, you ask, that she is copying from ? The fact is, she has none. She keeps it in her mind, working out the beautiful com- bination gradually in original outlines. Watching her a while attentively, and not noticing much progress, you exclaim, "Oh! what a slow and tedious work." Yes, indeed ; it requires the patience of an Oriental to sit at work months and sometimes years at a time, to finish, per- haps, a rug not larger than 3x6 feet, according to the fine- ness of the quality. That is the way these much-admired rugs are woven — on a plain loom, amid plainer surround- ings, and by plainest, most primitive people, with whom it seems just natural to combine colors and work out intricate patterns, full of study, admired and appreciated the world over. SILK RUGS SILK RUGS are considered the finest and most ex- pensive in Oriental Rugs. The best ones come from Persia, although Kaysarieyeh and Yeordez, in Tur- key, now furnish some very choice specimens. They necessarily are new, and yet possess very rich tone. Still, the Persian Silk I^ugs are by far the best, for the simple reason that most of them are antique, and that word mitiqiie has a world of meaning. It means that they are not made for the market, but almost without exception each one was woven for a special occasion ; consequently, best of material and skill have not been spared for them, 9 152 • 154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers SILK RUG 152 ■ 154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers as some of the handsomest and costliest ones are still within the sacred walls of "mosques," secure enclosures of royal tombs, or adorning the walls of the inner cham- bers of sultans and their harems. Generally they are made altogether of pure silk, warp and all, but sometimes the warp is of linen, and also occasionally some of the figures are woven in with silver threads, as well as the edges bound with same, while once in a great while a "mosque" rug mysteriously finds its way to this market, bearing passages of the "Koran" woven in the border, instead of geometrical figures. In size they range not smal- ler than 3x5 feet, up to as large as 12xl5jfeet, very seldom larger, and are valued from $250 to $10,000 each, accord- ing to size, quality, antiquity and historical associations. KERMAN RUGS NEXT in quality come the Kerman Rugs, sometimes called half-silk. They are made in Kerman, capi- tal of the province of Kerman, in Persia ; population, 30,000. It stands in a plain, commanded by two hill forts and has a citadel and various fine buildings. The rugs made here are generally in light and delicate colorings, very close texture and rather thin, with medallion effect designs almost exclusively, although there are different shaped fig- ures all over the center of the rug relieving the medallion, with several borders of unusually artistic coloring and pat- tern. On the whole Kerman Rugs are exceptionally effec- tive in delicate colored rooms, and they may well be called "gems of the loom." In size they come from 3>^x6to as large as 12x15 ; ranging in value from $150 to $2,500 each. n 152-154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers SENNA RUGS SENNA RUGS closely follow Kermans in quality, although they are altogether different in effect. They are woven in Senna, capital of the district of Arde- lan, in Irak-Ajemee, Persia, eighty miles west-north-west of Hamadan. Senna is of comparatively modern origin and has an imposing appearance. In its vicinity is a very extensive public garden. Rugs made here come in dark, rich colors of blue, red, green and yellow predom- inating, with small geometrical figures all over the center of the rug and often the small figures worked in diamond shape, starting from the center and widening to the border, each diamond having distinctively different predominating color, producing a very beautiful effect. Like " Kermans " they are woven very closely and rather thin. Good an- tique specimens of this kind are highly valued. In size they hardly ever come much larger than 4x7 feet, valued from $75 to $350 each. Senna Rugs are made sometimes for the royalty to throw over the saddle of donkeys. They come in almost square shape with an opening at one end to fit on the saddle, and silk fringe all around it. IRAN RUGS IRAN means "Persia." These rugs are made in differ- ent parts of Central Persia, also in Feraghan district in Turkestan, their main distinguishing points being that they have a very firm back, linen warp and close texture. In regard to pattern and colorings they differ greatly from each other, the most favorite kind, however, 152 ■ 154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers ■ 154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers being dark blue background with small geometrical fig- ures in various rich colorings for centerpiece and a rich border on a terra cotta background, sometimes having a small medallion in the center and corner figures cut out at each corner, representing one-fourth of the figures in the center medallion. They are almost all antique, seldom modern ones being seen on the market, and of all the fine makes they contribute the most number of what may be termed "Lost Art." Some of the choice specimens of this grade may truly be called "A thing of beauty, which is joy forever." In size they come from 3x5 feet up to 7x20 feet. They also come in long and narrow shapes, suitable for halls and stairs. It is almost impossible to find them in a nearly square size, as the rooms in Persia, for which these rugs are made, are oblong, having a con- tinuous seat built along each side and end of the room, on which those so-called hall rugs are spread, being woven two alike in order to match, and the large rugs being spread in the center of the room, necessarily making them not wider than seven feet and as long as twenty feet, and sometimes longer. In value Iran Rugs come from $35 to $1,000 each. SEREBENB RUGS SEREBEND RUGS in texture are very much like Iran Rugs, but easily distinguished on account of their uniform pattern and almost exclusive colorings. These rugs almost always have an old rose color for ground work, with small palm leaves all over the center of the rug. Sometimes they may be found having navy blue back- ground, but those are very scarce. The numerous borders 14 152 - 154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers of this make give a rich effect to the rugs, the widest bor- der being on an ivory ground, while the narrower ones come in variety of colorings. In size they may be found as small as 3^x6 feet, while generally they are from six to seven feet wide to twelve to eighteen feet long ; also, they are often seen in long and narrow shapes, suitable for halls and stairs. The smallest sizes, as well as the very narrow and long ones, are valued from $35 to $100 each, while the largest sizes range in value from $200 to $750 each. 1 Asiatic Turkey, only a few miles from Smyrna. The real antique specimens of this make may more properly be called fme tapestries than rugs. Indeed, they are too tender and precious to be placed on the floor. Like few other weaves, they do not acquire silkiness by age ; time only mellows their naturally soft shades, their great value consisting in detail of design and contrast of few colors. Black and blue bands on a gray-white ground for the border, with the "temple'' design in the center, the solid ground usually being in gray, blue, green or maroon. As a rule the gray-white color in Yeordez Rugs is of pure, fine cotton, and often the warp, as well as the edges on the sides and the selvage at the ends, are of silk. They are all very antique and well worn to the warp. Average size about 4x6 feet. Valued from $100 to $250 each. There are few modern ones of this make now on the market. Exact copies of the old ones, only necessarily in brighter colors and longer nap, valued from $50 to $125 each. ANTIQUE YEORDEZ RUGS ancient town of 152-154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers 152 • 154 Wabasb Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers COULA RUGS THESE rugs are woven in Coula, a small town of Asiatic Turkey, very near Yeordez, although rugs of this district do not compare in fineness to Yeordez Rugs, being coarser in texture and having longer nap, with golden, yellow and soft shades of green predominat- ing. Small geometric figures cover the center of the rug. Average size about 3^x6 feet. Valued from $25 to $75. SHEERAZ RUGS THESE rugs are made in one of the most beauti- ful spots in Persia, home of flowers and poets. Sheeraz is the capital of the province of Pars, with 20,000 population; famous for its gardens and fertility, also for its rugs and mosaic works ; is enclosed by bas- tioned walls nearly four miles in circumference and entered with six gates flanked with towers. It form- erly had an imposing appearance, but many of her best edifices were ruined by an earthquake in 1824. About one-half mile outside of the town there are the tombs of Hafiz and Saadi, most distinguished poets of Persia. Rugs made here are very similar to Iran Rugs in quality, only very much softer in texture, sometimes having also very much heavier pile. The most distinguishing points of this make are that they invariably have a fancy round edge, several different colors of wool being used, often having small tassels fastened on the edge at short intervals for ornament, and at each end they always have a striped selvage to give a finishing touch to the rug proper. 17 152-154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers Antique specimens of tliis make are higlily valued. The pattern is varying. Some are of " medallion " effect, others have geometrical figures all over the center, a few come in striped effect, both straight and diagonal, while palm-leaf design also is very popular. They generally come in dark, rich colorings. In size they range from 3x5 feet up to as large as 6x13 feet. Sometimes they are also found in medium square shape, commanding high prices for their scarcity. Sheeraz Rugs are valued from $25 to $350 each. BOKHARA RUGS THESE rugs are made in the province of Bokhara, a country of Central Asia in Turkestan, but at present under Russian control ; has a capital bearing the same name, 130 miles west-southwest of Samarcand, on a flat country among hills ; eight miles in circumference ; enclosed by earthern ramparts twenty feet high ; entered by twelve gates and intersected by canals, supplying the city with water from the river of Samarcand. It is said to have 365 mosques, several of great architectural beauty, and eighty colleges, the city having long been famous as a seat for Mohammedan learning. Rugs made here are the best knov/n and easiest remembered, as they are almost alike in color and design. They generally come in the richest shade of red for background, with square figures all over the center, the border varying occasionally in design. This is one of very few makes that has a distinct pattern following it exclusively. Bokhara Rugs are renowned for their extremely close texture and superior quality of wool and dyes. Their durability is phenomenal, the dull, rich i8 152-154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers BRINGING RUGS FROM THE INTERIOR 152 • 154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers colors having the qualities of an old Dutch painting, growing richer with time, filling the eye with ever-increas- ing delight as they gradually assume a peach bloom, and the texture, close as that of velvet, becomes soft as fur with the touch of time. Antique Bokharas are almost altogether out of the market, the modern ones, although just as fine in texture, but necessarily bright, lacking the rich effect age produces. A good specimen of 7-eal antique Bokhara Rug is highly valued now and well worth almost any price to a rug " connoisseur." In size they range from 2x3 feet to 4 x7 feet and from 5x9 feet to x IIK feet, although scarcely as large. They are valued from $10 up to $350 each. There is another pattern of the Bokhara Rug, made by the nomadic tribes of that section, which they use as tent door curtains during a storm and to pray on when the sun shines. They are almost of a square shape, the predomi- nating color being soft maroon. At one end they always have a "prayer pattern," while the other end is finished en- tirely different, small star-like figures being distributed on a rich buff color background, while in the centre there is a cross shape stripe about three inches wide, and in the squares formed zigzag lines abound in rich navy blue on a soft rose shade color. A good antique specimen of this kind will easily bring $75, although they are generally sold for from $25 to $50. YAMOUD BOKHARAS YAJVIOUD is a district of Bokhara in Turkestan. Rugs made in this district differ a great deal from the regular Bokharas in color. They are generally of dark maroon shade and often have entirely different pattern from Bokhara 20 IS2'I54 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers 152 ■ 154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers Rugs. In quality they are almost as fine as Bokharas and age seems to give them an unusual lustre, and for dark effect Rugs they are splendid specimens, in size, hardly ever come smaller than 5x8, nor larger than 8x11. Un- like Bokharas, they generally have a selvage at each end. Valued from $50 to $125 each. O made in Khiva, which is a country of Turkestan in Central Asia, population about 700,000; main part of the country is almost wholly a sandy desert; Amo-Darya river borders it on the north-east and along its banks and canals connected with it there are many fertile tracts, sheep and goats and a good breed of horses are numerous. Popula- tion is mixed, the dominant race being Oozbecks. In 1873 the Khaneate became virtually subject to Russia, but it still retains a nominal independence. The rugs made in this district are very much of the same predominating color and pattern as Bokhara Rugs, only very much coarser in texture, and heavier in pile, besides they always have a wide selvage at each end that Bokhara Rugs usu- ally lack. Khiva Rugs come in size from 5x9 to about 8x11 feet, and of this size rugs they are the most service- able for the money, being thick and having unusually rich, silky appearance, they are especially proper for library floors. Valued all the way from $35 to $125, according to size, coloring and quality. There is another kind of " Khiva," which is more properly called "Afghan," that is very much finer in tex- ture and differs entirely in pattern and size from a KHIVA RUGS called "Afghan." These Rugs are 22 152 • 154 Wabash Avenue CHICAOO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers " Khiva " Rug having small figures all over the rug with a circle in the centre, rich golden yellow predominating in the figures, while the general effect is a rich dark red color. They have very much shorter nap and generally come in oblong shapes running from 5 to 7 feet wide and 10 to 18 feet long. Perfect antique specimens of this kind are very much admired. They are valued from $75 to $250 each. Some specimens of this make are also sometimes found in small sizes of about 3x6 feet. DAGHESTAN RUGS THESE rugs are made in the district of Daghestan, a government of Russia in the Caucasus, having the crest of the Caucasus for its southwest limit, and bounded on the east by the Caspean Sea. Capital, Derbend; popu- lation about 500,000. The rugs made in this district are also called "Lesgie" I^ugs, a name used by the Russians in a general sense, especially applicable to the inhabitants of southern Daghestan, where most of the rugs are woven. They come in rich mellow hues of pink, ivory and blue, with a very velvety lustre and soft texture, the only objec- tion to them being that they are always crooked in shape. A good, straight specimen is very much admired. In size they come from 2%x\ to 4x7 feet. Very few antique Daghestans may be found on the market now. They are valued at from $12 to $50 each. SHIRVAN RUGS SOMETIMES wrongly called "Daghestan," although they are not very different in weave. They are made in Shirvan, a former province of Asiatic I^ussia, having on 152-154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers the east the Caspian Sea and on the north the Caucasus mountains. It would be impossible to describe the general pattern of this particular make, as each one almost has a pattern of its own, although "prayer" design is very popu- lar with the good religious people of Shirvan. The same may be said of the quality of this make. They may be found among the cheapest as well as the best weaves. Very few real antique Shirvan Rugs may be found on the mar- ket, they mostly being new rugs, in rather rich but bright Oriental colorings. They are durable and good rugs, how- ever, and come in very serviceable sizes, running from 3x5 to 4 x63^ feet. They have considerably increased in value within the last two years, and are on the increase still. They are valued now from $7.50 to $50 each. Real antique Shirvan Rugs may also be found in oblong shapes of 4 to 5 feet wide and 8 to 10 feet long, that are generally termed " Cabristan." These rugs have almost the same kind of borders as the Shirvan's, but the centre pattern is quite different, usually having bolder designs. In tex- ture they are extremely fine and are very much admired for their soft rich shades, of blue, old rose and golden yellow. Valued from $35 to $100 each. KARABAGH RUGS THESE rugs are made in Karabagh, former province of Russia, in Trans Caucasia, between the Koor and Arras rivers. It is now in the government of Yelisavetpol. This district furnishes the cheapest Oriental Rugs on the market. They are generally all new and made for immedi- ate demand. Some good specimens of this make may be found in antiques, which have very soft and rich colorings 152-154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers X.. . L...., ae.*"— — =— ' 'iSiii SERVING COFKEE 152 ■ 154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers and are really beautiful, but most all of them are in bright, yet rich. Oriental colors of navy blue, red and green pre- dominating, plain, large geometrical figures for their pat- tern with the " prayer design " at one end, almost always have good texture, and for cheap rugs they excel any other make of equal value for service and durability, in size they come from 3x4 to 4x7 feet, ranging in value from $5.00 to $25.00 each. ANATOLIAN RUGS THESE rugs are made all over Anatolia, which particu- larly comprises the Turkish Vilayets of Khondaven- dighar, Aidin, Konieh, Adana, Angora, Kastamoonee, Seevas and Trebizond, but in its widest sense it appears to include all of Asiatic Turkey. The surrounding country around Konieh and Kaisareeyeh, though, seems to be the principal rug weaving districts. Anatolian Rugs may be divided into two distinct grades; one grade may easily be distinguished by its irregular shapes, as almost without exception every one is crooked in shape. In texture they are very close and firm, having long nap. They are very much renowned for their rich colorings of red, blue and green, and very silky quality of wool. In pattern they are varied, generally having small figures in stripes of about a foot wide all through the length of the rug, with three or four handsome borders. This grade comes in sizes from 4x6 to 4>^x9 feet, valued from $15.00 to $75.00. The other grade is a little coarser in quality, and comes in smaller sizes from 2>^ x 3 to VA. xS}4, being the limit. These are generally straight in shape with bold designs and very pronounced but particularly rich colorings, the "Temple design" being very popular, having a plain 26 152 - 154 Wabasfa Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers centre in red or green, and an arch-like pattern at one end, representing entrance to the Mosque. These are used as prayer rugs, being spread on the floor, the arch-lil^, and are valued from $25.00 to $75.00 each. BERGAMA RUGS THESE rugs are made in Bergama or Pergamos, a ruined city of Asia Minor, on the Bakeer Chai, forty- two miles north-northeast of Smyrna. It has extensive remains of a palace, an amphitheatre, triumphal arches and bridges, intermixed with huts, burial grounds. Mosques and Khans. Population about 2500. Rugs made in this dis- trict are almost all in square shapes, a shape very unusual in Oriental Rugs. They generally have " medallion" cen- tres, with rich wide borders, extremely mellow and soft 27 152-154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers shades of terra cotta, blue, golden yellow and ivory pre- dominating, with a silky gloss and velvety softness. They are almost all antiques, no modern ones of this make being made. Consequently they are getting scarcei every day and their vaiue increasing in proportion. In size they come from 3x3'A to to 4, and from 4x5 to 6x7 feet, and sometimes perfectly square. Are valued from $15 to $100 each. HESE rugs are entirely different from any others, as 1 they have no nap, being woven like tapesteries by the needle. They are almost alike on both sides and are very thin, consequently mostly used for table covers, door curtains and couch covers. There are four different kinds of them: Kiz Kilim, Shirvan Kilim, Koord Kilim and Senna Kilim. Kiz Kilims are woven by Armenians and Turks in Anatolia. Kiz Kilim means " Bride's Rug," it being the custom there that a girl, as soon as engaged, must weave one of those rugs to present it to her future husband before marriage, in order to show her handiwork. The finer the rug the more the bride is thought of by her husband. So it is no wonder that we find some really handsome specimens of this make — hues and intricate de- signs that seem to have been inspired by whisperings of love. In pattern they vary a great deal, some of the small ones often have the "Temple" design. They are worked in open work, the smaller the figures in the pattern the more is the open work. They also frequently have long tufts of different colors of silk tied in places on the rug with blue beads fastened on them, in order to keep the rug from the effects of Evil Eye. In size they come as small as2'A xA feet and up to as large as 6^ x 17 feet, the KILIM RUGS 152 ■ 154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers SENNA RUG 152 -154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers large sfzes being woven in two strips, fastened togetlier so they can be taken apart and used for curtains. Valued from $5 to $50. SHIRVAN KILIMS SHIRVAN KlLlMS are made in the same district where Shirvan Rugs are woven. They are very much heav- ier and firmer in texture than Kiz Kilims; are woven in one piece and only in large sizes. In pattern they come mostly in stripes with blue, old rose and yellow colors predominating. Sizes from 3 x7 to 8x 12 feet. Valued from $12 to $50 each. SENNA KILIMS SENNA KILIMS are almost exact reproductions of Senna Rugs, only they have no nap. Are made in Senna, Persia, and are considered as the finest grade in Kilims. They only come in small sizes, never exceeding 4x7 feet. Valued from $18 to $50 each. KOORD KILIMS KOORD KILIMS are woven in Koordistan. They are entirely different from the others. The body of the rug is woven by the shuttle in solid color or sometimes in stripes. Then the pattern is embroidered over it by hand, which is a very tedious process. They have only one side, the wrong side being rough like Cashmere shawls. Very few of these may be seen on the market, being very scarce. In size they come as small as VAx6 feet and as large as 9 x 12 feet. Valued from $10 to $50 each. 30 152-154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers MOSUL RUGS MOSUL is a large town of Asiatic Turkey, rather pleasantly situated on the right bank of Tigris River, 220 miles northwest of Bagdad. Extensive fields of melons along the river provide a little verdure. Further than that the eye encounters naught, save yellow barren plains. Its principal ornaments are a college, the tomb of Sheik Abdul Kassin, and the remains of a beautiful Mosque, with a fine minaret. Population about 40,000. The rugs bearing the name of Mosul, however, are not made in the city, but Mosul being the chief thoroughfare for traffic between Bagdad, Syria and Constantinople, also having considerable commercial intercourse with the interior of Koordistan, it has been for years a very important dis- tributing point, especially for the products of the Nomadic Koordish tribes. That is why Mosul Rugs as a class are very much varied, as they probably represent the works of a good many different tribes. They have some distinguish- ing points, however; in texture they are rather coarse and very heavy, but possess exceedingly soft and rich color- ings. The centre part of the rug is often made out of Camel's hair. For medium-priced rugs they are the best and most in demand. Generally being antique, they forcibly appeal to the artistic tastes of rug lovers. Some unusually choice combinations of colorings are to be found among them, and they invariably possess the silky look so much admired. In size they hardly ever come smaller than 3x6 and up to as large as 4 x9 feet. Valued from $12 to $50 each. They also com,e in long and narrow shapes, suitable for halls and stairs, and have the same characteristics as the smaller ones. In size they range about 3 to 4 feet wide and from 10 to 15 feet long. Valued from $20 to $50 each. 31 IS2 ■ 154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers KAZACK RUGS THESE rugs are woven in the country of Cossacks, a vast plain forming a government of Soutliern Russia, traversed by tlie river Don, bounded north by the govern- ment of Saratov, south by the Caucasus. Population over 1,000,000. There religion is that of the Greek Church; language, mixture of Russian, Polish and Turkish. Main characteristics of rugs made in the above district are that they are very firmly woven, almost one or one and a half inch thick; very silky, with pronounced but rich colors of terra cotta, blue and ivory. In pattern they generally have what is called the "Coat of Arms " design in the centre, one, two or three of them according to the length of the rug. In size they generally come not smaller than 3^ x up to as large as 6 x 8 feet. They usually are near square — good antique specimens of this make are getting very scarce, consequently increasing also in value. In many respects Kazack Rugs are the best rugs for the money of- fered on the market for general service. Walking over them seems to inspire a sense of great comfort, while the rich, silky colorings and the bold, wild looking figures fascinate the eye beyond expression. They are valued from $25 to $100 each GANJA RUGS THESE rugs are made in Ganja, a fortified town of Rus- sia, in Trans-Caucasia, ninety miles southeast of Tiflis. It was formerly important as the residence of a Per- sian Khan; population about 16,000. Ganja rugs are very similar to "Kazacks," both in size and general looks, but not having as fine material nor as good workmanship they 32 152 ■ 154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers IRAN RUG 152-154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers lack the many unique and artistic attractions of ttie former, although some fine specimens of this make are hard to distinguish from Kazack rugs. Valued from $15 to $35 each. KOORDISTAN RUGS THESE rugs are made in Koordistan, an extensive region of West Asia, and shared between Turkey and Per- sia, Turkish Koordistan being mostly comprised in the vilayet of Bagdad, and Persia Koordistan in the province of Irak-Ajemee; population about 3,000,000. They are a wan- dering class of people and ill-governed by either powers. They are a stout, dark race, well formed, with dark hair, small eyes, wide mouth and fierce look, mostly Mohame- dans. Rugs made in this district bear a great resemblance in appearance to the people making them; both in pattern and coloring they are wild looking, generally having a medallion in the center of the rug on a solid color ground of terra cotta or red, with wide border in bold figures. Pre- dominating colors are all strikingly bright, but very rich. Although quite a few specimens of this make come in small figures for patterns, and rather mild colorings, they are all very thick and firmly woven and possess a beautiful lustre. They may be found in sizes from 4 x 7 to 8 x 11 feet, or even a little larger. Valued from $25 to $500 each. BELOUCHE RUGS BELOUCHE RUGS, also sometimes called " Blue Bokhara." Rugs under this class are made in Beloochistan, a country of Asia, having on the east, Sinde; 34 - 154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers north, Afghanistan ; west, Persia; south, Arabian Sea. Area, 121,600 square miles. Nearly the whole country is mountainous; many sheep and goats are raised, the people being mostly pastoral. They are all Mohamedans. By the treaty of Khelat, in 1876, Beloochistan came under British protection. The Khan receives British assistance in case of disorder, as well as an annuity. Since 1877 an agent of the British Governor General resides in Khelat as supreme British officer. Population, estimated, 450,000. The main distinguishing points in Belouche rugs are that they come in real dark blue color, with dark brown, red or green colors as faint outlines for the border, and peculiar geometrical figures in the centre of the rug, with wide striped selvage at each end. The pattern, from a stand- point of art, has nothing to commend itself; but the wool and the dye, as well as the texture, being of the finest, they acquire a wonderfully fascinating lustre by age, and being altogether different in color and general effect from any other Oriental rugs are very much sought after. There are very few antique specimens to be seen on the market. They come as large as 7x11 feet, and also as small as 2}i x3j4\ in fact, this is the only make that furnishes rugs narrower than three feet to any extent, it being very difficult to find rugs narrow enough in other makes. Of those very small rugs, the majority of them come in soft shades of brown, pink and blue, often camel's hair furnishing the most of material used in them. On account of their extremely soft colors, silky appearance and unusually narrow widths they are much in demand, the demand far exceeding the supply. The small sizes of this make are valued from $10 to $35, while the large ones range in value from $25 to $75 each. 152-154 Wabash Avenue 35 PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers SOUMACK RUGS SOUMACK RUGS, more familiarly called ''Cashmere^' on account of close similarity to Cashmere shawls in weave, like shawls they have no nap, but are smooth sur- faced with rough backs; the ends of different colors of wool of which the different patterns are woven being drawn in and hanging from the back in long tufts. The work is all done by the needle. In pattern and coloring there is a great similarity in all of them, the center ground color being rich terra cotta, with two or three large medallions In navy blue, yellow and pink, enclosed in a zigzag narrow border, having a peculiar outer edge, the pattern of which is to be found on almost all Soumack rugs, without ex- ception. Soumack rugs, like other makes, are made in different grades. A good quality antique specimen is highly valued, especially if it has soft shades with smaller figures than usual, giving it more the effect of "Mosaic work." In size they come as small as 3x 5 feet, up to as large as 9x12, although the nearest to the two extreme sizes are hard to find. Are valued from $10 to $150. SAMARCAND RUGS RUGS under this class are made in Samarcand, in Asiatic Russia, capital of the province of Zerafshar, 130 miles east of Bokhara; population, 30,000. It has greatly declined in importance lately. Of the forty colleges which it formerly had only three remain perfect. This city is regarded with great veneration in Central Asia. It possesses the tomb of Tamerlane, under whom it was the capital of one of the largest empires known, and the center of Asiatic learning and commerce. Its climate, abundance 36 152 • 154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers 152-154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO SOUMACK RUG PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers of fruit, and beauty of its vicinity have caused it to be higlily eulogized by Asiatic poets. Rugs made in tliis district are rattier loose in weave and thin in texture, having either large round circles in the center for pattern, or small geometrical figures, predominating colors being yellow, purple and green, mostly yellow. Antique speci- mens of this make have very rich lustre, are very scarce and highly valued on account of their peculiar effect of rich golden yellow, so changeable under different lights and positions. The modern ones, however, fall far short of attracting any admiration. In size they come from 3 x6 up to as large as 7 x 1 1 feet. Valued from $15 to $75. CAMEL'S HAIR RUGS CAMEL'S HAIR RUGS are made in a good many different districts; in fact any rug that has any camel's hair in its weave may be called such. They are more frequently found in Mosuls, Irans, Hamadans, Small Belooches and Herizes. Sometimes there is a band of solid camel's hair on all sides of the rug, and often worked only in the center. Camel's hair comes only in different shades of buff and is never dyed. The size, quality and value of Camel's Hair Rugs depends altogether in what district they are made; the fact of being camel's hair, however, making them more desirable on account of their phenome- nal durability. SADDLE BAGS SADDLE BAGS are generally made in Shiraz, also occasionally in Soumack and Bokhara. Saddle Bags woven in Shiraz and Soumack are about two feet square, and come in pairs, woven together in one piece, while 152-154 Wabasb Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers Bokhara Bags are oblong, about 1 x 3 feet, and come single. In the old country they are used to carry provisions or children in them on the backs of donkeys or camels, while here they are used mostly as cushion covers, for floor or couch, and they are in quite good demand on account of their extreme durability and original Oriental style. An antique, perfect specimen of Shiraz Saddle Bag is very desirable to have among a collection of rugs, while the antique Bokhara Bags, besides being useful for cushions, may be used on the floor to fill up a good many nooks nicely on account of their unusual size and oblong shape. Shiraz and Cashmere Saddle Bags are valued from $10 to $30, while Bokhara Bags bring from $5 to $15 each. LADIC MATS DOOR mats are all woven in Ladik, a town of Turkey in Asia, twenty-four miles north-northwest of Konieh. It is built of mud in the midst of a mound of ruins and has many antiquities. Antique Ladic door mats are getting very scarce each year, and consequently the prices are climbing higher all the while — in fact, a good specimen of antique door mat is very hard to fmd, the majority of them now on the market being new ones in bright colors. In size they come from 1 x2>^ to 2x4, and are valued from $3.50 to $12 each. BAGDAD CURTAINS CURTAINS bearing the name of Bagdad are not woven in Bagdad but in Anatolia, their main distributing point being Kayserieh, in Asiatic Turkey. The only reason they are called Bagdad must be that they are exact imitations of the original " Kurd Kilims," made in Kurdis- 39 152 ■ 154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers tan, of which Bagdad is the principal part. They come in dil^erent color stripes, loosely put together. Each stripe is first woven by the shuttle on a hand loom and then em- broidered over by hand. Each curtain generally has five stripes about 10 feet long, although sometimes they come In six stripes, about 12 feet long. Bagdads are woven in different grades, some being part cotton, others all wool ; some being loosely woven, others very firm and heavily embroidered, so that the value of a Bagdad is to be judged according to its quality, they being sold all the way from $2.50 to $1 5 each. Bagdads are also woven in couch and table covers, having the "Mosque" designs. These have only one invisible seam in the middle, table covers having fringe on all sides. i\ classified under carpets, more especially the modern weaves. They may be divided into two classes, Turkish and Persian. TURKISH CARPETS are woven in six different grades, the cheapest being Yeordez; next best, Bandhour; next, Inelli; next, Oushak, or Kirman ; and Hamadie, or Goolistan, and then Mohair. These are all woven in vil- lages around Smyrna, in Asiatic Turkey. They come in all sizes, generally not smaller than 6x9, nor larger than 15 X 20. They are all made under the supervision of peo- ple in constant touch with the demands of the market, the patterns and colorings furnished by special artists, so that they possess more colorings and patterns suited to modern taste and furnishings, but really lacking the originality of ORIENTAL CARPETS enough to cover rooms are TURKISH CARPETS 152-154 Wabash Aveoue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers 152-154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers designs so much admired in Antique Rugs. Tlie dyes used are mostly all vegetable dyes, there being a strict law passed by the Turkish government against using mineral dyes, a heavy penalty being imposed in case of violation. But of course the colorings are naturally bright, on account of the rugs being new and just out of the loom. A few years' use would make most of them look handsomer. They are valued at various prices, from 75 cents to $2 a square foot, accord- ing to quality, except Mohair Carpets, which come higher in price on account of the material used. The wool is that of the Mohair goat, which shines like silk and is very much more expensive than ordinary wool. In fact, it is almost too fine to weave into a rug for general service. For that reason there are few of them seen on the market now, and they are getting less all the time. They come in all sizes from 2x3 feet up to 15x20 feet, and are valued from $2.50 to $3 a square foot. PERSIAN CARPETS PERSIAN CARPETS may be divided into five different grades: Feraghan, Heriz, Hamadan, Extra Persian and Khorassan. FERAGHAN CARPETS FERAGHAN CARPETS are woven in Feraghan, a gov- ernment in Asiatic Russia, in Toorkistan ; population about 800,000 ; was captured by Russia in 1876. Antique Feraghan Carpets are very scarce. In pattern they are almost alike, having small geometrical figures in the center on a dark blue background, and several borders, the widest one having a terra cotta background, with octagon shaped figures running through it. Sometimes they have a small medallion in the center, with. corner pieces at each corner. 152 ■ 154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers In size they come from 9x 12 feet to 11x15 feet. Valued from $150 to $350 each. Modern Feraghan Carpets are very much cheaper. They are exact imitations of the antique ones in pattern, but lacl< the richness of color and firmness of texture so much ad- mired in the antiques. They come in various sizes, running from 6x9 feet to 12x 15 feet. Valued from 50 cents to $1 a square foot. HERIZ CARPETS CARPETS under this classification may be easily dis- tinguished from others. As a rule there is a great deal of camel's hair used in making them, often having a band of solid camel's hair from three to six inches wide at the outer edge on all sides of the carpet. For service and usefulness there is no carpet made that would excel the " Heriz" make. They are heavy and quite firmly woven, the only objection to them being that in pattern they are generally almost too original; in fact, most of them lack de- tails and intricacy of design and attractiveness that characterizes most Oriental Rugs. All have almost the same border, which is really the most beautiful part of the rug. In coloring they possess some real choice and soft shadings, which make them look more like Antique Rugs. On the whole, Heriz Carpets may be highly recommended for coloring and quality, and quite often the patterns are real handsome from the standpoint of Oriental originality. They come in almost all sizes, from 6x9 feet to 15x20 feet. Valued from $1 to $1.50 a square foot. HAMADAN CARPETS THESE carpets are woven in Hamadan, a city of Persia, in Irak-Ajemi, capital of the province of Hamadan 43 152-154 Wabash Aveaue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers and the nine districts forming the central province of Per- sia; 165 miles southwest of Teheran; population 30,000; it is claimed that the tombs of Mordecai and Esther are there. Hamadan Carpets, like " Heriz," have a great deal of camel's hair woven in them, but in quality are much finer and closer woven. They also have more attractive patterns, and quite a few antique ones of this make may be found on the market. They come in usual carpet sizes, and are valued from $1 to $2.50 a square foot. This make also comes in sizes of about 3x5 feet. They are all new and in bright colors, having generally a band of solid camel's hair around the outer edge of the rug, with a medallion pattern in the center. Valued from $8 to $12 each. EXTRA PERSIAN CARPETS THESE carpets are woven in several districts of Persia, mostly under the supervision of European importers, the design and colorings being furnished by special artists who have made a careful study of modern demands in tastes of furnishings ; consequently they have more ready sale. In quality they are exceptionally fine, and colorings all of vegetable dyes. In size they vary considerably, from 4x7 feet up to 15x20 feet. Valued from $1.25 to $2.50 a square foot. KHORASSAN CARPETS /^ARPETS under this classification are made in Khor- V_> assan, a province of Persia ; bounded on the north by Khiva, east by Afghanistan, and south by the Sandy Desert. This is, probably, one of the oldest rug weaving districts in Persia. Some fine specimens of very early date have been found that were made here, of which some are 44 152 -154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers YEORDEZ RUG 152 '154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers now occupying honorary positions in museums and royal palaces. Antique Khorassans, however, are not made in carpet sizes, the largest to be found being in oblong shape of about 7 X 20 feet, and down as small as 3 x 6 feet. They have small figures in the center, more on the style of Iran Rugs, and beautiful narrow borders. It is not anything very unusual to count as many as ten or twelve borders on a Khorassan Rug. The wool and dyes used in making them are the finest, which makes them acquire exception- ally wonderful luster by the touch of time. In texture they are closely woven, but rather soft and pliable. Valued from $35 to $350 each. Carpet sizes in " Khorassan " are all new and consequently in very bright colors. Often having camel's hair for a background, they may well be called the best modern carpets made. Valued from $1.75 to $2.50 a square foot. In pattern, texture and general appearance they do not differ much from the antique ones, but fail to inspire the same artistic admiration as antiques do. In this, however, they are not different from any other new rugs, as beyond a shadow of a doubt Antique Rugs of any make far surpass the modern ones, from the stand- point of art, as Antique Rugs are really masterpieces of rurai-born artists, while the weavers of new rugs need more than pecuniary compensation to awaken in them any dormant artistic genius they may possess, while the colors also must necessarily wait for the mellowing touch of time to give them the soft shadings and fascinating luster so much admired in Antique Rugs. The next question that naturally comes up is, how to take proper care of these fine rugs, which is a very impor- tant one. A great many people are under the impression that Oriental Rugs are almost everlasting and may be sub- jected to any kind of treatment without injuring them, 46 152-154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers which is entirely wrong. It is true that they will stand hard usage a great deal more than any other floor cover- ings, but abuse will spoil and ruin them, as anything else. Some people beat their rugs to pieces; others leave them to the mercy of moths ; still others trust them to careless cleaners, who put them through a certain process intended for inferior floor coverings. Oriental Rugs are surely not abuse proof. Careful beating or shaking will not injure any Oriental Rug, but when it comes to thorough cleaning we believe the best way is the way of the Orientals. It stands to reason that an artist would know best how to take care of his own masterpiece, or an inventor of a com- plex and delicate device of his own invention. So it is with these fine rugs — the people who weave them ought to know the best method of cleaning them. Acting on this argument, we have fitted up a place where we clean Orien- tal Rugs in exactly the same manner as natives do, which cleans the rugs thoroughly and without any possible dam- age, as all work is done exclusively by hand, no chemical preparations being used whatever. Thousands of perfectly satisfied customers in and out of Chicago will willingly assert this fact. Ours is the only place of its kind in this country for properly cleaning Oriental Rugs. Our charges are very reasonable, considering the quality of work done. If you are not already a patron, we would ask you to give us a trial on your next clea7ting day.'''' Besides, our process of cleaning will give a richer hue to the colors and glossy appearance to the rugs. • Another point we wish to call your attention to regard- ing the " Proper Care of Rugs" is the repairing question. The old adage, "A stitch in time saves nine," is true with even Oriental Rugs. It pays to keep the rugs in perfect order. Being native rug weavers, we know best how to 47 152 ■ 154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers do that. It makes no difference what condition your rugs are in, we can repair them. We can fill up moth-eaten places, weave in large or small holes, replace worn-out edges, reduce the size of a rug — in fact make any change or repair that may be necessary for the rugs. We can even weave a new rug for you, if you wish to wait long enough for it; or we will teach you how to weave rugs, so you can work on one in your spare hours and have a rug of your own before you know it. It is quite a fad just now, among the society people of the East, to learn how to weave rugs. Any one interested, in the West, need not suffer for lack of teachers. The last, but by no means the least, question is. Where to buy rugs! Would you rather buy them from some one who, perhaps, does not know as much about Oriental Rugs as you do yourself, and is selling them on the same princi- ple, perhaps, as he does an ingrain carpet? Of course not. The fact of a number of people having purchased "Anatol- ian" Rugs for " Shiraz," or "Iran" Rugs for "Senna," or"Yamouth Bokharas" for " Bokhara," paying higher prices on account of the name, does not allow any room for argument that it is best to buy your rugs of people who are thoroughly acquainted with different makes and can give you reliable information regarding them. The dealer in the above case may be altogether honest and sincere, but the fact is he doesn't know any better. And then, it is best to buy out of a choice and selected stock. The fact of a rug being called "Iran" does not guarantee its quality. There are a good many different grades of Irans, and you ought to be sure that you are selecting your rugs from a choice selection that has been approved after careful examination, and not out of " odds and ends," so to speak. We do not claim to be faultless connoisseurs of Oriental 152-154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO PUSHMAN BROTHERS Native Importers Rugs; neither do we claim to carry tlie largest stock in the West ; but we do claim that, being rug weavers, we know enough to tell the different makes apart and are judges enough to gather a choice selection of them. We always carry a representative line of all makes, carefully selected; and, making a specialty, and having comparatively small expenses, we are in a position to sell you best rugs at lowest prices. The wonderful increase in our business, both in and out of Chicago, each year, is sulficient proof. When looking for rugs next, please remember that our collection, as well as prices, may interest you. All we ask is " inspection and comparison," after all. r 49 152-154 Wabash Avenue CHICAGO R. R. DONNELLEY AND SONS COMPANY CHICAGO W3 m A TURKISH CORNER ^