Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Chyrpy, probably Uzbek the question of False Sleeves

4/25/07
Hello,
I added Uzbek Rugs: Chyrpy, probably Uzbek, Turkestan to my notes. Compare the long false sleeves to the sleeves of the King in "Big Head" Fariburz and Kay Khusrau dated 1494 . The tradition of long false sleeves is very old in Central Asia.

This whole thing has been a long process of adding together little bits and pieces. By collecting and sorting and resorting and endless linking seems to tie all this together. I am not sure to to what point but I enjoying writing it and many of you enjoy reading it so for now I continue. I am not really sure how much longer however, my days grow busier and my hands get stiffer so one of these days I think I will have to shut this down and take up something else. I may go back to bird watching or go to a seminary. The one in Mankato has been on my mind of late.
Best wishes,
Barry O'Connell
Cell - 240-988-4866

Friday, April 20, 2007

Oriental Rug Auction Sunday Apr 22 2007

Hello,

Oriental Rug Auction Sunday - Oriental Rugs & Carpets Sale Date: Apr 22 2007 15:00

Samuel T. Freeman & Co.
1808 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Tel: 215.563.9275
David Weiss VP - Paintings, Prints & Rugs Ext. 3014
Worth a look: the silk rugs, a tent band, and some nice Serapis.
Best wishes,
Barry O'Connell
Cell - 240-988-4866

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

The Best Oriental Rug Cleaning and Restoration Professionals

I am in the process of expanding my list of Carpet cleaners and restorers. Take a look at The Best Oriental Rug Cleaning and Restoration Professionals. Let me know any additions or corrections that I need to make.
Best wishes,
Barry O'Connell
Cell - 240-988-4866

Sunday, April 8, 2007

US citizens get acquainted with Turkmen ornament art

US citizens get acquainted with Turkmen ornament art

An exhibition dedicated to Turkmen and other Central Asian ornaments used in decoration of traditional national dwellings opened in the Textile Museum of Washington on March 30, the Ashgabat correspondent of Turkmenistan.ru reports quoting the State News Service (TDH). The Turkmen exhibits dominate the exhibition. That is why it occupies a separate room. The other room features Kazakh, Kyrgyz and Karakalpak ornaments.

The exhibition inauguration was preceded by a reception on behalf of the Textile Museum of Washington and the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the U.S. Some 400 people, including government officials, a number of universities, famous art critics, diplomats and big businessmen attended the ceremony. The Textile Museum board chairman, Bruce Baganaz, Turkmenistan's Ambassador to the US Mered Orazov and museum director Daniel Walker spoke at the inauguration ceremony.

The exhibition will be open until August 19. Booklets dedicated to the exhibition will be published soon.

Saturday, April 7, 2007

Textile Museum Display

It is time to treat Native Americans with dignity and respect
Yours truly,
Barry O'Connell

Sunday, April 1, 2007

Dusty Robert's web site www.therughub.com

Hello ,
One little known secret of the Internet is Dusty Robert's web site www.therughub.com. Nice people and a good discussion. It even has a forum with a Rug ID section.
Best wishes,
Barry O'Connell
240-988-4866

AFGHAN-AMERICAN SISTERS LAUNCH NEW LA BEL AT “STANDING ROOM ONLY” D.C. EVENT

Washington, D.C.- On Thursday, March 29th 2007, the first Afghanistan collection of handcrafted jewelry, home décor, and accessories was launched at Pangea Artisan Market & Café at IFC by Artizan Sarai, a unique online boutique for stylish and socially conscious consumers. The event drew an audience of over 200 people, many who were turned away at the door because of over capacity, who were interested in purchasing the label's highly anticipated collection of handcrafted jewelry, embroidered home décor, and exquisite fashion accessories.


Created by four Afghan-American sisters Alina Atash, Mariam A. Nawabi, Samira Atash, and Zohra Atash, Artizan Sarai blends inspiration from the ancient Silk Road and tempts global trendsetters with its original selection of contemporary and stylish products. The sisters, with career backgrounds in interior design, law, fashion design, and journalism, returned to Afghanistan three years ago, the first time since they left as children before the Soviet invasion.


Upon their return, they were affected by the poor living conditions and decided the best way to help was to create sustainable jobs for Afghans, who they see as willing, hard-working, and hopeful despite years of war, turmoil and oppression. They decided to create a home décor and accessories label that would elevate the image of Afghan-made products. For two years, they worked and trained artisans on design, proper finishing and quality control standards so that the products could compete on an international level.

"I am weary of Afghans being viewed as burqa-wearing, anti-American terrorists. It's a stereotype that needs to be changed. Afghans have a proud and rich history and should be respected for their talents, culture, and art. The hand embroidery, engraving, and craftsmanship that can be found there are some of the best in the world. Artizan Sarai will showcase this and bring Afghan products to a new level", states Samira Atash, fashion designer, co-founder and Creative Director.


Artizan Sarai's mission is to create opportunities for artisans in economically disadvantaged areas of the world, primarily Afghanistan, and to bridge cultures through artistic expression. The label strives to generate a strong U.S. consumer response that will drive positive change for artisans in Afghanistan.


Mariam A. Nawabi, co-founder, attorney and guest speaker noted, "There is a direct link between poverty and conflict and in order to win the peace in Afghanistan, we need to provide opportunities for the Afghan people. Americans can positively impact the lives of Afghan artisans through their purchasing power and bring hope to their future."


Artizan Sarai's official launch at Pangea Market was standing room only and offered sophisticated guests the opportunity to hear, taste and purchase a piece of Afghanistan's rich cultural heritage. As part of the event, live traditional Afghan music was performed and delicious Afghan hors d'oeuvres served. Artizan Sarai products were purchased by high official guests from the State Department, World Bank, Capitol Hill, and more, as store operators quickly restocked the popular merchandise.


Interior designer and co-founder Alina Atash, states, "We are proud that our launch was a huge success. Our collection reflects Afghanistan's cultural legacy and marks Artizan Sarai's breakthrough into the U.S. market-one that craves the rare and exclusive styles being cultivated in exotic locations."


The official website www.artizansarai.com is set to launch April 10th, 2007. The sisters' next goal is source products from other economically disadvantaged areas of the world such as Palestine and Iraq.