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Persian rugs: The Complete Guide to Persian Rugs

Persian Rugs: Notes on State Department Carpets

Year ago I did a little article on the carpets in the US Department of State Diplomatic Reception rooms. Unfortunately the article was lost. However I found a few pictures and notes so I hope it is of some interest.

The Diplomatic Reception Rooms are a group of rooms on the top floor on Main State

Persian Rugs: Circa 1800 Northwest Persian Carpet of the Walter Thurston Gentlemen's Lounge

Circa 1800 Northwest Persian Carpet of the Walter Thurston Gentlemen's Lounge

The Walter Thurston Gentlemen's Lounge

The Gentlemen's Lounge contains one of the most prized rug in the Collection, from Northwest Persia, circa 1800, measuring over twenty-eight feet long.

The lounge is named for Ambassador Walter Clarence Thurston, (1895-1974) of Arizona. Born near Denver, Colo., December 5, 1895. U.S. Minister to El Salvador, 1942; U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador, 1943; U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia, 1944-46; U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, 1946-50.

The John Quincy Adams State Drawing Room

Of all the rooms at Main State this and the small second dinning room are my favorites. The John Quincy Adams State Drawing Room has by far the most interesting carpets. The Heriz Persian Carpet in the foreground is nice but the compartment carpet upon which the couches sit is far more interesting.

19th Century Ming Chinese rug of the Martha Washington's Ladies Lounge

The Martha Washington's Ladies Lounge

This is one of the most impressive rooms from an architectural viewpoint. The magnificent Ming-type Chinese rug, c. 1880 really works in this room. I suppose I am a little old fashioned but my tour of the Ladies Lounge was a little intimidating. I spent less time examining this carpet than most.

Ahar Heriz carpet