International studio (53.1914)

Antique Ghiordes Rugs


prayer arch. It is impcssible to describe the jewel-
like effect of this superb mosaic colour scheme.
The dervishes selected the Ghiordes rug to rep-
resent their four different orders, which gives them
a strong religious significance. These occur in the
following order: Deep blue, indicating the Order
of the Rafaiyah Dervishes; deep red, that of the
Amadivah Dervishes; green, the Order of the
Bahramiyah Dervishes, and white, that of the
Kadiriyah Dervishes. On page lxxxix is an extra-
ordinary example of an early seventeenth-century
Ghiordes. The prayer panel is a mellow old ivory
white. A graceful floral lamp illuminates the
apex, while exquisite sprays of flowers adorn the
base, ornate columns supporting the arch. In de-
sign, technique, fineness of materials employed, it
has no superior.
The most highly prized colour is green, the
sacred colour of the Mohammedans—the colour
of holiness. Rugs having
prayer arch in green are
permitted to be used only
by those in the higher offices
in direct line from the
Prophet. A superb exam¬
ple of this is represented on
page lxxxvii.
The third and most inter¬
esting type of Ghiordes rugs
is the little hearth rug known
as the “Kis Ghiordes,” or
“Betrothal” rug, usually
about 3X x 5J/2 feet. They
are woven by Turkish maid¬
ens. In a sense this rug
constitutes an Oriental mes¬
sage of love, is a revelation
of the weaver’s artistic skill
and taste, and into it are
woven love, sympathy, emo¬
tion, passion, and the hid¬
den and most cherished de¬
sires of the woman’s girl¬
hood and bridal days, being
held as her most treasured
possession, the last article to
part with, and handed down
as an heirloom from one gen¬
eration to another. On page
lxxxviii is an unusually fine
specimen of this type, show¬
ing strong nomadic and
archaic influence.
There is no expression in

any line of art which suggests greater dignity of
design, a more subdued harmony, blending soft,
seasoned colour schemes conveying the impres-
sion of warmth and magnificence, than is woven
in these fascinating examples of a fleeting and by-
gone art. The little story implied by these small
pieces is full of poetic inspiration and renders them
of intense interest to all lovers of woven fabrics.
The charming sentiment which produced them
makes them all the more interesting to those seek-
ing to know more of the mysteries of the Orient.
A TREATISE ON ETCHING
This month Mr. George T. Plowman’s work
upon etching makes its appearance under the
auspices of the John Lane Company. There is
nothing of the kind in the market and for the
thousands interested in etching, artistsand laymen
alike, this volume contains much valuable material.

E CENTRE INDICATING THE
DERVISHES

ANTIQUE NOMADIC GHIORDES, 5.8 X 4.2, BLU
ORDER OF THE RAFAIYAH

XC