Their vivid colours and attractive designs, often combined with supreme workmanship, make these Oriental tapestry-woven rugs a fascinating study. In this book, the first to be devoted entirely to kilims, the author has chosen to study kilims in general, examining as many examples as possible, and grouping them typologically and geographically. The result constitutes the first comprehensive review of an art form whose importance and outstanding artistic merit has hitherto gone unrecognized. The functions of kilims are varied, but always practical--coverings for furniture, rugs, prayer mats, door-hangings--thus reflecting a mentality which conceives of beauty not in the abstract, but within the context of everyday life. The kilims illustrated demonstrate an astonishing variety of design, pattern and technique; their structure is explained clearly, with accompanying diagrams; and their geographical and social background is outlined and illustrated. Kilims will interest all those intrigued by cultures outside their own, as well as collectors of Islamic art, architects, interior designers, students of primitive and tribal art, and the growing number of carpet-makers. -- Inside jacket flap.