From the
Publisher
Oriental Rugs Vol.3 - AfghanistanThe
author provides a new introduction and two
additional chapters dealing with the huge refugee
problem and consequent changes in carpet
production.
Forty supplementary colour plates illustrate
and enhance this new material which, combined
with the original text and illustrations, guide
the keen collector and the first-time buyer
through a labyrinth of fascinating choices.
Author Richard Parsons, for many years buyer
in Afghanistan for the well-known firm O.C.M.
(London) Ltd., treats the reader to not only a
veritable feast of carpets and rugs, all with
their attendant tribal origins and motifs vividly
explained, but also to a fascinating journey
through the history of a diverse, colourful,
multiracial country.
The author shares his respect and admiration
for Afghanistan’s stoic people, who somehow,
despite political upheavals, forced resettlement,
a harsh climate, and often primitive nomadic
living conditions, manage to fashion exquisite
works of art which reflect their pride in their
many-faceted heritage. Afghan rugs, which are
instantly appealing due to their traditional
colours and bold designs, open up a whole new
vista for the collector, from sumptuous piled
purdahs to flat woven prayer rugs.
The
Author
On completing his National Service in Egypt,
Richard Parsons spent some time with the Colonial
Service, before joining a Mining Finance house
and working for several years in West Africa
before being posted to Teheran. Here he fell in
love with Oriental carpets and on completion of
his assignment in Iran, faced with the prospect
of a London office, he abandoned his career for
the carpet trade, to the consternation of his
family and friends.
He subsequently joined the prestigious firm of
Oriental Carpet Wholesalers in the U.K., whose
agents buy from all over the carpet- making world
for sale in the U.K. and redistribution all over
the world. After training at the London warehouse
and in Iran, he was sent to Afghanistan as
assistant buyer. He soon took over full
responsibilities staying on in Afghanistan until
1979, when that country was occupied by the
Soviet Union, then went as buyer to Pakistan,
where he lived and worked until the end of 1981.
Richard Parsons now works in Hong Kong.
His knowledge and love of Afghan rugs have
prompted him to devote a great deal of time
researching, writing and recording for posterity
the details of rug production and tribal history
in that remote but beautiful country. 1851491449
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