Archive for February, 2008

Wool Kashan



Wool Kashan
Wool Kashan

Tips For Puchasing A Persian Rugs

A Persian rug is not only a home decoration, it is a functional work of art. Although many modern Persian rugs are made by machine, you can still find high quality hand-made rugs today. Before shopping for a Persian rug, you need to understand what it is and what it is not.

First, there is often considerable confusion between Oriental rugs and Persian rugs. Oriental Rugs are handmade rugs that come from a wide geographic region that extends from Turkey in the west to China in the east. It encompasses the Persian region. So while Persian rugs are also Oriental Rugs, not all Oriental rugs are Persian rugs.

The Persian rug is an essential part of Persian art and culture. Carpet-weaving is one of the most distinguished manifestations of Persian culture and art, and dates back to the Bronze Age.

A well crafted Persian rug can last centuries. The earliest surviving Persian rugs come from the 16th century, attesting to their durability. However, painted depictions prove a longer history of production. There is much variety among classical Persian carpets of the 16th and 17th century. Common motifs include scrolling vine networks, arabeques, cloud bands, medallions, and overlapping geometric compartments rather than animals and humans.

Persian rugs are identified by the region in which they are produced. Some of the more widely known types of Persian rugs include Tabriz, Kashan, Herat, and Kerman. Each has a distinctive style. For example, rugs from Tabriz have a central medallion and quartered corner medallions superimposed over a field of scrolling vine ornament.

When purchasing a Persian rug, simply remember the acronym MAKIP, which stands for: materials, authentic, knots per square inch, imperfections, and price. Let’s consider each of these.

Materials

Inexpensive, so called “Persian rugs” that you find in most discount stores are usually made from synthetic materials (and they are almost certainly not made anywhere near Persia).

When buying a real Persian rug there are really only three choices of materials – wool, cotton, and silk. These fibers are all natural and are more durable than synthetics. Dyed wool is traditionally used to make tribal rugs. Silk is the most expensive and luxurious choice. Some Persian rugs are even woven with gold strands.

Authentic

It may be difficult to know whether the carpet you are choosing is authentic. When purchasing a Persian rug, make sure you are dealing with a reputable company. The best will provide a certificate of authenticity.

Knots per square inch

Knots per square inch (KPSI) is a measure of overall quality. Basically the higher the number of the better the carpet. Look for carpets that have a KPSI of at least 80 – over 100 is better.

Imperfections

Authentic Persian rugs are made by hand. As such all will have slight imperfections. This is normal. In fact if a rug is coming out too perfect the maker will usually introduce a slight imperfection. As long as the imperfection does not detract from the overall appeal of the carpet, don’t worry about it.

Price

Most people start here when shopping for a Persian rug. Remember, each is hand made and a quality Persian rug can take almost a year to complete. When thinking about how much to spend consider the factors mentioned above. In addition, the size of the rug will have a huge influence on the price. Fortunately, there are a number of good Web sites that have eliminated the middle man to allow customers to purchase high quality, authentic Persian rugs are steeply discounted prices.

About the Author

Read about growing gerbera daisies and white gerbera at the Gerbera Flower website.


Premium Wool Carpet Stair Treads - Navy Blue Kashan 27 x 9 (13)


Premium Wool Carpet Stair Treads – Navy Blue Kashan 27 x 9 (13)



Premium Wool Carpet Stair Treads – Navy Blue Kashan Set of 13 by Dean Flooring Company. Made from all natural 100% premium New Zealand Wool. Edges are finished with color matching yarn. Helps prevent slips on your hardwood stairs. Easy DIY installation with double-sided carpet tape (not-included). Each tread measures approximately 27″ x 9″….


Premium Wool Carpet Stair Treads - Beige/Gold Kashan 27 x 9 (13)


Premium Wool Carpet Stair Treads – Beige/Gold Kashan 27 x 9 (13)



Premium Wool Carpet Stair Treads – Beige/Gold Kashan Set of 13 by Dean Flooring Company. Made from all natural 100% premium New Zealand Wool. Edges are finished with color matching yarn. Helps prevent slips on your hardwood stairs. Easy DIY installation with double-sided carpet tape (not-included). Each tread measures approximately 27″ x 9″….

 

Oriental Burgundy



Oriental Burgundy
Oriental Burgundy

A Long Journey from Nice to Paris

Today we start our journey north towards Paris in a few days time. First stop is Cannes home of the film festival and one of the most prestigious of the French Riviera resorts. Until you have walked along the harbor front and seen first hand the size of the motor yachts some people around the world own, its hard to imagine the size of them.

A number of people took advantage of the fact that the red carpet was out at the film festival hall and took some celebrity photos. There was time for a coffee and generally just enjoy a beautiful morning.

After rejoining the motorway our drive brought us into the Maritime Alps on our way to Avignon. This a beautiful and historically important walled city built on the Rhone River in Provence. It was the home of the Popes for over half a century in the 1300’s. After the popes left here it laid the foundations for enormous unrest and the great schism of the church.

We walked to the Papal Palace and Notre Dame and then on to the main square with its Christmas markets for time to have lunch and do a little shopping.

A big drive this afternoon north to Lyon at the point where the Saone and Rhone rivers converge. It is the second larges city in France and a major commercial center. Despite that it is quite a beautiful city and after an orientation we made our way to the hotel for dinner.

The grand finale in Paris is our goal today as we travel north from Lyon. First stop today is Beaune a charming little Burgundian village once the capitol of Burgundy. Unfortunately with sub zero temperatures and sleat coming down we took a vote and decided with many sick people it might note be in everyones best interests so we kept going towards Paris.

From here we travel through the heart of Burgundy and I talk about a number things like. French wines, regional and Haute cuisine, canal systems farming and more. Lunch is on the Autoroute on our way.

We arrive at Versille at 2.15 and meet our local guide Jocelyne who will also be with us for our full day in Paris. Versille is one of the worlds great buildings. For those folks not going with Jocelyne we make our way to the hotel to check in and drop off the bags.

We return to collect the people who have done the tour of Versilles and make our way to the hotel for a well earned rest in what is one of my favorite Paris hotels.

Tonight we have reserved seats for the Moulin Rouge cabaret and believe me it never disappoints. Dinner is OK, the service is OK, but the show is fantastic and the hottest thing in Paris. On the way out there are another 800 people waiting in the cold to get in for the 11pm show.

For more information about traveling; please have a look at http://www.affordable-cruises-tours.com.

About the Author

I like traveling and would like to share my experience with others.

http://www.affordable-cruises-tours.com.


Japanese Cast Iron Tea Pot Set Burgundy Red Bamboo


Japanese Cast Iron Tea Pot Set Burgundy Red Bamboo


$24.50


A lovely example of the traditional cast-iron teapots known in Japan as tetsubin, this pot with its delicate, hand-cast, raised design in highlighted in black is not only prized as a collectible, but also brews 20 ounces of tea perfectly. Its interior is glazed in enamel, so it won’t rust or corrode; nor will its stainless-steel infuser. To make soothing, full-flavored tea, simply spoon loose tea …

Silky Decorative Embroidered Oriental Table Runner


Silky Decorative Embroidered Oriental Table Runner



This table runner depicts traditional oriental embroidery and vibrant silky soft polyester materials with enhanced lusture in every assortment of color. Your home will have the sacred endearment treasured by asian nationals, giving you a wholeheartedly uplifting atmosphere to enjoy relaxing moments within your environment more thoroughly. It’s a perfect standard size allowing you to place it flawl…


Children's Chopsticks - Pink


Children’s Chopsticks – Pink


$4.49


9.2″ x 3.2″…

149711 - Rug Depot Premium Carpet Stair Treads - 26 x 9 Stair Treads - Burgundy Background - Set of 13 Stair Treads with FREE Pad Glued to the Back of Each Stair Tread - 100% Olefin Premium Carpet Stair Runner Treads - Traditional Oriental


149711 – Rug Depot Premium Carpet Stair Treads – 26 x 9 Stair Treads – Burgundy Background – Set of 13 Stair Treads with FREE Pad Glued to the Back of Each Stair Tread – 100% Olefin Premium Carpet Stair Runner Treads – Traditional Oriental


$169.00


149711 – Stylish Premium Stair Treads by Rug Depot. Quality you can trust. Protect your wooden stairs and entryways from wear and tear with our stair treads. These premium stair treads add a warm look to the home while protecting wood from scratches, dirt and wear. Our Stair Tread Sets include 13 treads with FREE pad glued to the back of each tread. Each tread is bound with color matching binding….

Party Paper Lantern-Round 12-Luau Supplies- Oriental/Chinese Lamps - Burgundy


Party Paper Lantern-Round 12-Luau Supplies- Oriental/Chinese Lamps – Burgundy


$8.95


An inexpensive way to decorate a Luau party, wedding etc. This size is available in 16 vibrant colors. Light Bulb & Wiring are NOT included….

Builders Edge, Inc. Burgundy Red Fanfold Design 14 1/4 Round Arch Top Pair for Vinyl Shutters


Builders Edge, Inc. Burgundy Red Fanfold Design 14 1/4 Round Arch Top Pair for Vinyl Shutters



The fanfold arch top by Builders Edge is a great way to complement your half round windows with an arch. They are color-coordinated to match Builders Edge or Mid-America vinyl shutters and when installed they look like a single piece arch shutter with a decorative fan top….


Burgundy Stadium Horns - Party Themes & Events & Party Favors


Burgundy Stadium Horns – Party Themes & Events & Party Favors



Burgundy Stadium Horns. Here’s a great way to show your enthusiasm at the big game or match! Each time a player scores a touchdown blow these blue plastic horns for real home team support! These noisemakers always make crowd-pleasing sounds! 28…

 

Arak Persian



Arak Persian


Little Stories About the Origins of Persian Carpets Volume I, II, III: The Bakhtiary Region / Isfahan and the Surrounding Provinces / Ghom, Keshan, Arak, Shahsand and Wearmin


Little Stories About the Origins of Persian Carpets Volume I, II, III: The Bakhtiary Region / Isfahan and the Surrounding Provinces / Ghom, Keshan, Arak, Shahsand and Wearmin




Arak City Map Iran - Persian and English - Scale 1:15,000


Arak City Map Iran – Persian and English – Scale 1:15,000



Size 100×70 cm Art 226…


Arak City Map Iran - Persian and English - Scale 1:8,000


Arak City Map Iran – Persian and English – Scale 1:8,000



Size 100×70 Art 211…

 

Persian Runner



Persian Runner
Persian Runner


Floral Hand Beaded Indian Table Runner - Silver


Floral Hand Beaded Indian Table Runner – Silver


$48.00


The colors and vibrancy of India is often found in its textiles and embroidered fabrics and goods for centuries. Zardozi is an ancient Persian art (Zar in Persian means gold and Dozi is embroidery) which has been passed down for many generations, dating back before the Mughal empire, reaching its peak under the rule of Emperor Akbar in the 17th century in India….

Lok Lift Rug Gripper V90529 6-in X 25 Lok Lift Rug Gripper


Lok Lift Rug Gripper V90529 6-in X 25 Lok Lift Rug Gripper


$18.39


Holds rugs and mats in place Hand washable …

150928 - Rug Depot Premium Carpet Stair Treads - 26 x 8 Stair Treads - Black Background - Set of 13 Stair Treads with FREE Pad Glued to the Back of Each Stair Tread - 100% Polypropelene Premium Carpet Stair Runner Treads - Traditional Persian


150928 – Rug Depot Premium Carpet Stair Treads – 26 x 8 Stair Treads – Black Background – Set of 13 Stair Treads with FREE Pad Glued to the Back of Each Stair Tread – 100% Polypropelene Premium Carpet Stair Runner Treads – Traditional Persian


$189.00


150928 – Stylish Premium Stair Treads by Rug Depot. Quality you can trust. Protect your wooden stairs and entryways from wear and tear with our stair treads. These premium stair treads add a warm look to the home while protecting wood from scratches, dirt and wear. Our Stair Tread Sets include 13 treads with FREE pad glued to the back of each tread. Each tread is serged with color matching yarn. E…

150927 - Rug Depot Premium Carpet Stair Treads - 31 x 9 Stair Treads - Ivory Background - Set of 14 Stair Treads with FREE Pad Glued to the Back of Each Stair Tread - 100% Polypropelene Premium Carpet Stair Runner Treads - Traditional Persian - Alternating Pattern Match - Extremely High Quality at 2 Million Points - T-9 Quality Rating


150927 – Rug Depot Premium Carpet Stair Treads – 31 x 9 Stair Treads – Ivory Background – Set of 14 Stair Treads with FREE Pad Glued to the Back of Each Stair Tread – 100% Polypropelene Premium Carpet Stair Runner Treads – Traditional Persian – Alternating Pattern Match – Extremely High Quality at 2 Million Points – T-9 Quality Rating


$239.00


150927 – Stylish Premium Stair Treads by Rug Depot. Quality you can trust. Protect your wooden stairs and entryways from wear and tear with our stair treads. These premium stair treads add a warm look to the home while protecting wood from scratches, dirt and wear. This Stair Tread Set includes 14 treads with FREE pad glued to the back of each tread. Each tread is serged with color matching yarn. …

Baran [Import NTSC Region 1 and 4] Majid Majidi (English/Spanish subititles)


Baran [Import NTSC Region 1 and 4] Majid Majidi (English/Spanish subititles)


$21.27



Las Cenizas de la Luz (The Willow Tree) [NTSC/REGION 4 DVD. Import-Latin America] Majid Majidi (Spanish subtitles)


Las Cenizas de la Luz (The Willow Tree) [NTSC/REGION 4 DVD. Import-Latin America] Majid Majidi (Spanish subtitles)


$12.99


Ganadora en el 23 Festival Internacional de cine de Teherán, 2005. Las cenizas de la luz cuenta la historia de Yusef, un profesor ciego que enseña literatura en una universidad de Teherán, y que tras una complicada operación en París, milagrosamente recupera la vista. Pero la felicidad de ver el mundo lo aleja de todo, inclusive de su esposa y de sí mismo, al grado de llegar a despreciar la …

The Shahnameh: The Persian Book of Kings


The Shahnameh: The Persian Book of Kings


$13.39


The great national epic of Persia—the most complete English-language edition Wherever Persian influence has spread, the stories of the Shahnameh become deeply embedded in the culture, as their appearance in such novels as The Kite Runner amply attests. Among the greatest works of world literature, this prodigious narrative, composed by the poet Ferdowsi in the late tenth century, tells the st…
 

Kurdish Serapi



Kurdish Serapi

 

Turkish Oushak



Turkish Oushak
Turkish Oushak

 

Pillow Cover



Pillow Cover


Clear Vinyl Chair Protectors - Set of 2 (Clear) Fits Chairs up to 21 x 21 (Actual Size 26 X 25 3/4)


Clear Vinyl Chair Protectors – Set of 2 (Clear) Fits Chairs up to 21 x 21 (Actual Size 26 X 25 3/4)


$15.19


An easy way to keep your dining chairs looking like new. These transparent heavy duty vinyl seat covers protect and display the beauty of your dining room chair upholstery. No more worries about spilled wine or messy food – chair protectors take the stress out of eating and drinking for children and adults. Your chair seats will stay stain-free so you can relax and enjoy your meals! Spills and…

Seat Solution Orthopedic Seat Cushion


Seat Solution Orthopedic Seat Cushion


$12.00


Seat Solution Orthopedic Seat Cushion is designed to relieve nagging backaches, numbness, and discomfort while you sit. It has a special wedge shape with U Cutaway for your tailbone. Made from All New Material Consisting of 100% Polyurethane Foam. Includes black dual sided cover, breathable fabric on one side with stain and water resistant finish on the other….

Good Best Simple Platform - 3ft. Square Classic Japanese Design Tatami Mat Table Top - 36 x 36


Good Best Simple Platform – 3ft. Square Classic Japanese Design Tatami Mat Table Top – 36 x 36


$69.00


This 36″ x 36″ (3ft. x 3ft.) traditional Japanese design tatami mat is a remarkable product, one of a collection 8 sizes we sell on Amazon. Customers use them for simple, natural, portable, practical (& decorative) purposes; here’s some examples a.) a simple square table top, b.) an altenative chair, with a cushion, c.) center 3 foot square of a traditional Japanese floor covering configuration of…

Surrealistic Pillow


Surrealistic Pillow


$3.37


When she joined the Jefferson Airplane in 1966 as replacement for original vocalist Signe Anderson, Grace Slick brought with her two songs she’d performed in her previous band, the Great Society: “Somebody to Love” and “White Rabbit.” Featured on this classic 1967 album, they became Top 10 hits, and helped establish both the San Francisco and the emerging counterculture they celebrated. With Jorma…

Definitive Greatest Hits


Definitive Greatest Hits


$15.97


Amazon.com essential recording One of the must-own soul albums, Greatest Hits is fattened with extra tracks in this reissue for a total of 21 songs. Al Green brought the Memphis Sound into the ’70s by slightly softening it, melding smooth funkiness with his miraculous voice and innate sensitivity: his love songs, while perfect for the bedroom, are as conversational as they are blatantly seductiv…

Golden Girl: Columbia Recordings 1944-1966 (2CD)


Golden Girl: Columbia Recordings 1944-1966 (2CD)


$11.00



Sports Coverage MLB Wall Border


Sports Coverage MLB Wall Border



 

Aubusson Design



Aubusson Design


Raoul Dufy: Paintings, drawings, illustrated books, mural decorations, Aubusson tapestries, fabric designs and fabrics for Bianchini-Ferier, Paul ... November 1983-5 February 1984 : an exhibition


Raoul Dufy: Paintings, drawings, illustrated books, mural decorations, Aubusson tapestries, fabric designs and fabrics for Bianchini-Ferier, Paul … November 1983-5 February 1984 : an exhibition


$222.33



Les Tapisseries d'Aubusson Et De Felletin (Collection art decoratif) (French Edition)


Les Tapisseries d’Aubusson Et De Felletin (Collection art decoratif) (French Edition)


$235.00



The marriage of the medieval and the modern in Aubusson tapestry design: A symposium (Craftsman and designer guides;no.7)


The marriage of the medieval and the modern in Aubusson tapestry design: A symposium (Craftsman and designer guides;no.7)