reviewed by Stanley Abercrombie
Of Wool and Loom:
The Tradition of Tibetan Rugs
by Trinley Chodrak and Kesang Tashi
Trumbull, CT: Weatherhill
160 pages, many color illustrations, $40
Said in the foreword to be "the first book written in the english language by Tibetans about their marvelous and ancient rug tradition", this is a handsome and readable survey of the subject. Co-author Kesang Tashi appears to have done for the Tibetan wool industry what Jim Thompson did for the Thai silk industry, reviving an ancient craft6, improving a local economy, and producing beautiful goods. along the way he assembled a collection of old rugs and a great deal of knowledge. the first part of the book concentrates on the historic uses of the tibetan rug - in tents, houses, and monasteries, and not only as floor coverings but also as cushion covers, horse covers, temple pillar hangings, and collars for dogs and yaks. Materials and techniques are also explained. the larger second half ofthe book is a sumptuous display, all in color, of the traditional and modern Tibetan rug designs. there are also a glossary, a bibliography, and an index.
reprinted from Interior Design, June 2001
©2001 by CAHNERS BUSINESS INFORMATION
