A wonderfully visual vintage reference book devoted to the history, patterns, symbolism and construction of Oriental rugs.

Written by Preben Liebetrau, then head of the rug department at Magasin du Nord in Copenhagen, the book illustrates 65 different rugs in colour, alongside black and white drawings, maps and detailed descriptions of the principal rug-making regions and traditions.

The colour plates are particularly lovely, with examples including Persian and Iranian rugs, Tabriz, Bijar and Ardabil designs, as well as Chinese rugs. Rich reds, indigo blues, ochres and beautifully intricate patterns make this as appealing to browse for its imagery as it is useful as a reference.

The original illustrated cover has a fabulous all-over rug design and plenty of age and wear, giving it exactly the sort of timeworn character I love.

A lovely book for textile collectors, rug enthusiasts, interior lovers, artists and anyone drawn to traditional pattern and colour. It would also make a particularly good studio reference for textile, embroidery, collage or print work.

By Preben Liebetrau

Published by Collier-Macmillan Ltd, London / The Macmillan Company, New York

Illustrated throughout with 65 colour rug plates, black and white drawings and maps.

Condition: Vintage condition with visible wear to the illustrated cover, including rubbing, losses and worn corners and edges. The interior remains very usable and the wonderful colour plates are the real attraction here. Please see photographs as part of the description.