size, and the marvellous sheen and good preservation of
the rug render it a choice specimen. The texture is like velvet in its
softness, the Persian knotting is firm, and the shadings of green, rose,
blue, yellow, purple, violet, and red all blend in perfect harmony. The
pile is even, and the border with its exquisite hues is a study in color
blending. The green of the widest border-stripe is particularly
reposeful in effect._

OWNED BY MR. BYRON L. SMITH, LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS.]

_Ispahan_ rugs are antiques. During the sixteenth century and the reign
of the great Shah Abbas, and even earlier, these magnificent fabrics
were woven. Superb in coloring, with beautiful designs and of superior
workmanship, the examples still in existence are indeed precious. In
these old rugs one finds a field of red that is rich and rare. It looks
like carmine, and then again it seems as if one were looking into a
goblet containing the choicest wine of past centuries. Once seen, the
shade is not forgotten. So also with the wonderful moss-like green that
occupies the main border and the running vines of the Ispahan rug.
Black--the most corrosive of all dyes--although used, has disappeared,
leaving only the foundation. A medallion, star-form in effect, often
occupies the centre. Over the field are scattered palmettes and lotus
forms, all connected by running vines. A wide middle border between two
narrow stripes holds the rosette and palmette, and also the lancet leaf,
in tiny form. When cloud bands are seen they show Chinese influence, as
do the lotus forms.

_Kara Dagh_ rugs are made by nomads who are called Aylauts, and who live
in the mountainous region north of Tabriz. In appearance, as well as in
texture and size, they resemble those produced in the Caucasian province
of Karabagh on the other side of the boundary. The natural color of the
camel's hair, and rose color too, are much used. Sometimes the camel's
hair is mixed with goat's hair. The designs are floral and rather
striking in effect.

_Kermanshah_ rugs of modern make have usually a medallion with a lotus
motif in the centre of the field. This is generally of ivory, ornamented
in soft tones of blue, green, or rose. The usual light effect of the rug
makes it rather more suitable for a reception room or a bedroom than for
other places. There are, however, deeper tones in these rugs, and
sometimes there are no medallions. Perhaps the rug is most pleasing
with the palm-leaf desi