ORIENTAL RUGS OF THE SILK ROUTE
Culture, Process and Selection
By John. B. Gregorian

Printable order form to mail or fax 617-527-7847 or at booksellers everywhere.

EXCERPT
"When a merchant unrolls an oriental rug in a dusty bazaar at one of the trading centers along the Silk Route, that rug will have been woven in a tradition that is centuries old. With each rug, there will be at least one surprise in its design that will defy our Western notions and create a level of energy. When taken as a whole, the rug will be perfectly balanced and will speak to your soul. This is what makes the oriental rug truly a work of art. And this is what brings us back to the Silk Route year after year..."

SYNOPSIS
Oriental Rugs of the Silk Route provides an illustrated tour of the modern-day oriental rug-making centers of the Silk Route. A compelling text and stunning color photography complemented by vintage black-and-white images transport readers to Middle-Eastern villages and cities, revealing the rug-making culture and process. From colorfully dressed peasants tending sheep, carding wool, and boiling natural dyes in Turkey and India, to remote rug-weaving villages and trading centers, to the sophisticated showrooms and The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, to the mosques, temples, restaurants and homes where beautiful rugs are on display, this visually rich and authoritative volume travels behind the scenes of mysterious, exotic cultures famous for this centuries-old art form.

The reader will find expert advice for the rug-buyer; how to evaluate quality and price, a discussion on buying and trading customs with tips on negotiating a purchase, and ideas on decorating with oriental rugs. A glossary provides definitions of oriental rug terminology and a helpful appendix rounds out the book with a complete discussion of cleaning and repair.

At once a unique journey to the world's finest oriental rug-making centers and an authoritative reference, Oriental Rugs of the Silk Route is captivating, informative reading for oriental rug enthusiasts and travelers alike. John B. Gregorian is the president and chief executive officer of Arthur T. Gregorian, Inc. in Newton Lower Falls, Massachusetts, a family-run business founded by his father in 1934 and one of America's oldest and largest rug institutions. In addition to serving as curator of Antique Oriental Rugs of the Silk Route, he lectures frequently and sponsors several educational programs on oriental rugs.

REVIEWS
"This book will arm you with some wonderful insights and spirit, which could change the 'hunt for a rug' from an uncomfortable, intimidating experience into a pleasurable and challenging one. It is John Gregorian's view that an oriental rug purchase should be based on how it appeals to your intuition and soul, to your aesthetic sensibility, not the merchant's." --Dr. Edward I. Altman, New York University, Stem School of Business

"Behind every handmade oriental rug is the story of a weaver, a shepherd, a dyer, often an entire village without whose skills it would never have come to exist. John Gregorian should know. For more than thirty years he has traveled the accessible stretches of the Silk Route." --Mark Hopkins, President, New England Rug Society

"The text is very anecdotal and the reader will find many modest but very useful tips. John Gregorian's relaxes and self-assured manner makes this a very easy read." --Jack Haldane, Abington Books, London, England

"Oh how I wish I had read this book ten years ago. John Gregorian is the Dr. Spock for oriental rug buyers, and his message is quite similar. Learn a little about what you plan to buy, trust your instincts about what you like and enjoy the process." --Professor Stuart H. Altman, Brandeis University

Published by Rizzoli International Publications, Inc., 300 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010. 176 pages (9x11"), 160 four-color and 15 black-and-white illustrations, ISBN: 0-8478-2221-4, World rights, Price $50. Distributed by St. Marten's Press

ORDER FORM
Oriental Rugs of the Silk Route may be ordered Autographed (personally signed by John B. Gregorian) or Personalized (personal message from John, addressed to the person or persons you name). John's signature and/or personalized message will appear on the inside title page.

Order online from the Gregorian Bazaar or print and complete this form and mail or fax to 617-527-7847. All shipping is U.S. Standard Mail. International shipments may be subject to additional local charges. Payment must be in U.S. funds (check or International Money Order).