Fort Worth - Dallas
WEAVERS, MERCHANTS AND KINGS:
The Inscribed Rugs of Armenia
The “Weavers, Merchants, Kings” exhibition was organized by the Kimbell Art Museum of Ft. Worth, Texas in co-operation with The Armenian Rugs Society. It opened at the Kimbell Art Museum October 6-December 30, 1984. It then travelled to the Virginia Museum, Richmond, February 18-March 31, 1985, The Worcester Art Museum, Worcester, Massachusetts July 13-September 15, 1985, the Textile Museum, Washington, D.C., October 17-January 5, 1986 and closed in Fresno, California.
The rich coloration and imaginative designs of oriental carpets place them among the most appealing forms of art produced int the Near East. This exhibition is the first ever of focus on the inscribed rugs and the first major exhibition of Armenian carpets in North America. It presents outstanding examples of 18th-to early 20th-century rugs from Karabagh, Kazak, and Gendje regions, which demonstrate that the Armenians produced a number of mainstream Caucasian types. Pictorial carpets are also included, as well as some designs that are unique, such as one featuring angels and a double-headed eagle, the symbol of the patriarch of the Armenian church. Highlighting the selection are known masterpieces including the Karabagh Sunburst rug from the Virginia Museum, inscribed and dated 1850, and the famous Gohar Carpet dated 1700. Seated, left to right: Emily Sano, Haroutiun Gayayan, Loretta Boxdorfer 
Standing, left to right: Dr. Murray Eiland, Lemyel Amirian
This exhibitions, organized by the Armenian Rugs Society, significantly contributes to the knowledge of the Near Eastern rugs. It also increases public awareness of the diverse cultural and artistic traditions frequently overlooked in an area that is historically and politically complex.
-Emily Sano, 1984
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