Oriental carpets have always been prized in the West as luxury items, and an understanding of their structure is essential to a proper appreciation of them. This work covers the history of carpets in the West, and then goes on to explore weaving methods and patterns.

Embroidered samplers from the Victoria and Albert Museum's fine collection are used in this illustrated volume to provide a historical survey of this popular needlework art. It includes a practical guide to the different types of stitches.

Showcases one hundred definitive examples from the Victorian and Albert Museum collection, offering insight into major carpet-weaving traditions from China to Turkey while explaining through diagrams and photographic details how to examine and interpret the structure of individual carpets.

An illustrated journey through the intricate details of ethnic dress, this sumptuous volume showcases an extraordinary range of traditional clothing from Central Europe, India, and the Far East. Ornate buttons, embroidered borders, architectural pleating, gold-threaded tassels: 150 color photographs, many specially commissioned, spotlight an astounding array of ornamentation, and these breathtaking close-ups are coupled with accurate line drawings of each garment's underlying structure. Arranged thematically, the chapters bring together different examples of each type of decoration from disparate cultures, and the text includes information about the ceremonial roles of much of the clothing. The latest addition to the esteemed Victoria and Albert Fashion in Detail series, this unique visual resource can be used for practical purposes by designers, students, and other style-o-philes.

Product Description: A sumptuous addition to the Victoria and Albert Museum textile series, Ottoman Embroidery showcases in full color 150 stunning pieces from the museum's extensive collection. Dating from the mid-16th to the early 20th century, such common household items as napkins, towels, kerchiefs, and trousers have become exotic with age, and their ornate patterns are sure to inspire contemporary needleworkers...read more (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)