Islamic Carpets

New York: Near Eastern Art Research Center, Inc, 1965. First edition. Hardcover. fair to g. Folio. 385, [3]pp. Original photo-illustrated dust-jacket over red cloth, with gold lettering on spine and front cover. This remarkable volume contains 152 striking examples of Islamic carpets from the somptuous collection of Joseph V. McMullan, the finest collection of Islamic rugs that has ever been assembled in private hand. Muslims regard the carpet with special esteem and admiration. For the traditional Bedouin tribes of Arabia, Persia and Anatolia the carpet was at the centre of their life being used as a tent sheltering them from the sand storms, a floor covering providing great comfort for the household, wall curtains protecting privacy and useful items such as blankets, bags, and saddles. It was indeed a resourceful inspiration to make use of the abundant wool produced by their herds. With Islam, another significant value was added to the carpet, being a furniture of Paradise mentioned numerous times in the Qurían. For example in Surah 88 the carpet is counted as one of the riches the believer will be rewarded in the Hereafter: "(Other) faces that Day will be joyful, Pleased with their striving, In a Garden on high, Where they shall hear no (word) of vanity: Therein will be a bubbling spring, Therein will be Thrones (of dignity), raised on high, Goblets placed (ready), And cushions set in rows, And rich carpets (all) spread out. Do they not look at the Camels, how they are made?- And at the Sky, how it is raised high?- And at the Mountains, how they are fixed firm?- And at the Earth, how it is spread out? " (Surah 88: 8-20). There is a considerable material dealing with the history, nature and character of the Muslim carpet. Such material is published under three main themes; the Oriental carpet, the Muslim carpet, or under regional classification such as Turkish carpet, Persian carpet and the like. Historic sources from this book have established that the carpet tradition is a very old custom practised by early civilisations. Dust-jacket partly torn on front cover, with closed tears, and creasing along edges. Binding slightly soiled on front cover. Previous owner's ex-libris on front free endpaper (Fred and Stella Krieger). Moderate age-toning along paper margin. Dust-jacket in overall poor, binding and interior in good+ condition.