Oriental Rugs et. al.

42 x 30 and 4 x 60
Series for television & video
Color

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This 42-episode series, showcasing the incredible history, form and function of Oriental rugs and textile arts, ran initially on PBS. John Kurtz, a nationally renowned Oriental rug dealer and historian, is a natural host for the series as it takes viewers across the United States and Europe. Viewers learn about the classical Oriental rug traditions including the Caucasian, Persian, Chinese, and Navajo, just to mention a few. John's interesting observations and interviews with collectors and weavers from around the world combine with beautiful original examples leaving viewers anxiously awaiting the next episode.

All episode tape prices are $24.95 (includes Shipping and Handling) for U.S. orders and $39.95 (includes shipping & handling) for non-U.S. orders.

60-minute Companion tapes: The following VHS tapes are available:

Program #143: "Beginning Buyer's Guide"
This companion to the series includes highlights from the second series of programs, including an explanation of the materials and design elements found in handmade carpets. Special emphasis is placed on what consumers should avoid when purchasing oriental rugs.

Program #143
"Beginning Buyer's Guide"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #144: "Living with Oriental Rugs"
This companion to the series includes highlights from the first ten program episodes, including an overview of history, design, and care of oriental rugs. Program host, John Kurtz conducts an informational session with first-time rug buyers.

Program #144:
"Living with Oriental Rugs"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #145: "The Practical Guide"
This companion to the series includes highlights from the third series of programs, including a review of "rug terminology". Historic and contemporary design trends are discussed, and program host John Kurtz offers tips on the maintenance and repair of oriental rugs.

Program #145:
"The Practical Guide"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #146: "Decorating with Oriental Rugs"
This companion to the series includes concentrated information on decorating with oriental rugs at home, and in office settings. Top decorators offer insight on mixing color and design. Program host John Kurtz reviews a wide range of room settings, giving practical tips for matching rugs with rooms.

Program #146:
"Decorating with Oriental Rugs"


$24.95	$39.95

Individual 30-minute episodes:
The following VHS tapes are available:

Program #101: "Woven Treasures"
This debut program takes viewers on a carpet ride through the subjects and locales the series examines through the course of the series. These include the rugs of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the ancient art of knot tying in a village in Turkey, a rug co-op in San Francisco and a rug auction at Sotheby's, New York.

Program #101:
"Woven Treasures"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #102: "Collectors: Hooked on Rugs!"
Host John Kurtz visits collectors to discuss sources of rugs -- from auctions to garage sales -- and the use of rugs to decorate walls and floors, then to rug collector and basketball legend Kareem Abdul Jabbar to discuss his collection.

Program #102:
"Collectors: Hooked on Rugs!"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #103: "Importers: Getting the Rugs to Market"
The ancient and modern routes of transport for oriental rugs are explored in this episode. Often third or fourth generation rug traders, the large Manhattan house operators trace their roots back to exporters and agents in Persia or other weaving countries.

Program #103:
"Importers:
Getting the Rugs to Market"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #104: "Navajo!"
The series travels to the Navajo reservation of Arizona and New Mexico, to the 19th Century trading posts still operating today, to a Navajo woman who sits on the plain weaving in a centuries-old manner she predicts will soon be a lost art.

Program #104:
"Navajo!"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #105: "Care and Feeding of Oriental Rugs"
Proper rug washing, vacuuming, moth damage control and delicate restoration techniques are demonstrated. John talks to expert rug repairmen who can identify age-old stains and apply proper compounds to remove them.

Program #105:
"Care and Feeding of Oriental Rugs"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #106: "How the Pros Work with Rugs"
This episode explores how top designers and rug dealers work together to produce that "Architectural Digest" look for prominent clients. Bill Blass tells how he is coordinating his Kashmir crewel rug collection with fabrics.

Program #106:
"How the Pros Work with Rugs"


$24.95	$39.95

Program # 107: "Flatweaves: Rugs in Two Dimensions"
This episode looks at the "flatweave" or tapestry-like rugs that use a warp and a weft weave rather than a knot construction. These flatweaves -- kilims, dhurries, tapestries, Aubussons and Navajos -- offer the consumer the chance to invest in "art underfoot" at a more affordable level.

Program # 107:
"Flatweaves: Rugs in Two Dimensions"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #108: "Origins, Symbols and Designs"
An expert from Washington's Textile Museum traces the ancient symbolism in the designs of many oriental rugs, which are often rooted in other disciplines, such as architecture, calligraphy or nature.

Program #108:
"Origins, Symbols and Designs"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #109: "Wholesalers: Integrity & Savvy = The Art of Doing Business"
In search of old and valuable rugs, this episode starts in a rug gallery in New York, where Host John Kurtz and a rug dealer debate over the relative merits of a Sarouk, a semi-antique carpet from Iran, then to wholesale rug markets, where mostly Iranian dealers buy, sell and trade rugs.

Program #109
"Wholesalers: Integrity &
Savvy = The Art of
Doing Business"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #110: "Great Rugs for Great Homes... Including Yours!"
The history of oriental rugs in America from the 17th to the 19th centuries is detailed through settings like the world-renowned Winterthur Museum, where over 100 rooms are authentically furnished, to Washington's State Department, where fabulous antique rugs grace the public rooms.

Program #110:
"Great Rugs for Great Homes... Including Yours!"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #111: "How to Buy an Oriental Rug"
Where to look for rugs, old and new; questions to ask; what to avoid (Going-Out-of-Business Sales, hotel auctions, etc.); insurance (documenting sale with photos and paperwork); rug trading; a word about wear; machine-made rugs)

Program #111:
"How to Buy an Oriental Rug"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #112: "Kuwait: A Bedouin Weaving Tradition"
The Al-Sadu weaving project -- Kuwait's attempt to honor and preserve the Bedouin weaving tradition; lifestyle and cultural traditions of these "desert dwellers" who produce these colorful, functional weavings.

Program #112:
"Kuwait: A Bedouin
Weaving Tradition"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #113: "The Grandmother Rugs"
Sarouks, etc.; what they look like, where they came from; why they were popular; what they are worth; how they got here; how they are sometimes painted.

Program #113:
"The Grandmother Rugs"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #114: "Oriental Rugs Origins and Symbols"
An examination of historic/classic motifs; Clue as to what they mean and where they come from are offered by some of the world's leading rug authorities.

Program #114:
"Oriental Rugs Origins
and Symbols"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #115: "What's My Rug Worth"
John and guest experts from two of the world's leading auction houses with wonderful, varied rug samples discuss viewer questions regarding rug appraisal, valuation and insurance.

Program #115:
"What's My Rug Worth"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #116: " Classical Navajo Weaving"
A look at classical Navajo Weaving pieces and traditions; Interviews with Navajo textile experts Nancy Blomberg and Joe Ben Wheat.

Program #116:
" Classical Navajo Weaving"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #117: "More Great Rugs for Great Homes"
A look at the great rugs of Glencairn: a nine story castle on the outskirts of Philadelphia. John and guest expert George O'Bannon tour this great home and preview its collection of more than 200 wonderful rugs!

Program #117:
"More Great Rugs for
Great Homes"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #118: "Hooked on Rugs!"
A look at other types of hand made rugs including modern American hooked rugs and the "hookers" who create the wide array of colorful designs.

Program #118:
"Hooked on Rugs!"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #119: "What is It?"
John and panel of experts from the "rug world" read and respond to interesting viewer mail and identify curious, unusual rugs.

Program #119:
"What is It?"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #120: "Caucasian Rugs"
The Caucasian weaving tradition; Early design examples from this popular type are discussed by the world's leading experts; lots of color and powerful design!

Program #120:
"Caucasian Rugs"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #121: "The World's Greatest Rugs" (Part I)
The European Fine Art Fair in Holland is the "Fairest of All Fairs", attracting the world's leading dealers of art, antiques and oriental rugs. In this first of three programs, top European collectors exhibit great classical carpets and bold, graphic tribal rugs.

Program #121:
"The World's Greatest Rugs"
(Part I)


$24.95	$39.95

Program #122: "The World's Greatest Rugs" (Part II)
This second of three programs from the from the European Fine Art Fair in Holland features more of the world's greatest paintings, sculpture and oriental rugs. Host John Kurtz and top European collectors explore the relationship between antique carpets and modern art.

Program #122:
"The World's Greatest Rugs"
(Part II)


$24.95	$39.95

Program #123: "The World's Greatest Rugs" (Part III)
Textiles and tulips highlight this last of three programs originating from the European Fine Art Fair in Holland. Host John Kurtz talks with top European collectors who show off rare and unusual oriental rugs, and magnificent Flemish tapestries.

Program #123:
"The World's Greatest Rugs"
(Part III)


$24.95	$39.95

Program #124: "Heriz and More!"
Rug experts George O'Bannon and Lee Beshar join host John Kurtz in the gallery for a show-and-tell focusing on colorful designs from the Heriz vicinity in northwest Persia. The identifying color characteristics and crisp designs of these popular rugs are discussed.

Program #124:
"Heriz and More!"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #125: "Great Rugs from Great Homes" (Part I)
One of America's greatest homes, Biltmore House in Ashville, North Carolina is the setting for the first of two programs focusing on the magnificent rugs and tapestries on display in George Vanderbilt's Mansion, now a museum. Host John Kurtz goes behind the scenes to look at special techniques for storing rugs.

Program #125:
"Great Rugs from Great Homes"
(Part I)


$24.95	$39.95

Program #126: "Great Rugs from Great Homes" (Part II)
Conservator Patricia Ewer takes host John Kurtz behind the scenes to the textile conservation laboratory at Biltmore House, George Vanderbilt's turn-of-the-century mansion in Ashville, North Carolina. More of the museum's oriental rug and tapestry collection are highlighted.

Program #126:
"Great Rugs from Great Homes"
(Part II)


$24.95	$39.95

>Program #127: "New Rugs for American Markets" (Part I)
This first of two programs features the latest colors, textures and designs in new oriental rugs currently available to American consumers. Host John Kurtz travels to the International Furniture Market in High Point, North Carolina for a preview of new rugs using historic designs and colorful, graphic Tibetan weaving.

Program #127
"New Rugs for American Markets"
(Part I)


$24.95	$39.95

Program #128: "New Rugs for American Markets" (Part II)
This second of two programs features more of the latest colors, textures and designs in new oriental rugs with an accent on historic reproductions of pile carpets and intricate needlepoint rugs. Design consultant Dan Carithers ties rugs to the room in a decorating commentary.

Program #128:
"New Rugs for American Markets"
(Part II)


$24.95	$39.95

Program #129: "Decorating with Oriental Rugs" (Part I)
Rug expert Dennis Dodd does a show-and-tell on decorating with oriental rugs in home and office settings. Then host John Kurtz chats with the "Prince of Chintz" himself, New York-based interior designer Mario Buatta on rugs as part of a decorating scheme.

Program #129:
"Decorating with Oriental Rugs"
(Part I)


$24.95	$39.95

Program #130: "Decorating with Oriental Rugs" (Part II) <
Host John Kurtz joins homeowner Nancy Whales for a tour of a most unusual house combining medieval themes with contemporary designs and "the carpet as the soul of the apartment!" Unique room settings are built around a variety of old and new oriental rugs.

Program #130:
"Decorating with Oriental Rugs"
(Part II)


$24.95	$39.95

Program #131: "Profile of an American Weaver"
The rug weaving tradition is alive and well in New York City, as interpreted by contemporary American weaver Stanley Bulbach. Stan discusses reviving historic techniques for selecting wools and creating dyes, and exhibits newly woven designs.

Program #131: "
" Profile of an American Weaver"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #132: "New Traditions" (Part I)
Village weavers in eastern Turkey approach their work personally, improvising as they draw inspiration from their environment to create colorful Azeri Folklife Carpets.

Program #132:
"New Traditions" (Part I)


$24.95	$39.95

Program #133: "New Traditions" (Part II)
Ancient weaving techniques meet modern marketing strategies in the Black Mountain Looms project, boosting local economies in India, Turkey and China.

Program #133:
"New Traditions" (Part II)


$24.95	$39.95

Program #134: "New Tibetan Heirlooms"
Nepalese and Tibetan weavers revive old traditions with lanolin-rich wool from Himalaya sheep, breathing new life into village economies in Nepal.

Program #134:
"New Tibetan Heirlooms"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #135: "Art Underfoot"
A colorful blend of new, computer technology and old workshop techniques transforms artist Tim Van Campen's designs into beautiful needlepoint rugs.

Program #135:
"Art Underfoot"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #136: "Road to Morocco" ( Part I)
Nomadic weavers paint desert landscapes with colorful designs woven into decorative functional articles.

Program #136:
"Road to Morocco"
( Part I)


$24.95	$39.95

Program #137: "Road to Morocco" (Part II)
Collector Brooke Pickering and anthropologist Susan Schaeffer Davis show and tell more about colorful textiles woven by Moroccan women.

Program #137:
"Road to Morocco" (Part II)


$24.95	$39.95

Program # 138: "Turkoman Traditions"
Author and appraiser George O'Bannon shares highlights from his travels to central Asia to explore vibrant, geometric designs historically woven by nomadic tribes.

Program # 138: "
"Turkoman Traditions"


$24.95	$39.95

Program # 139: "Rug Recycling"
Antique rug experts Barry Kamali and Dennis Dodds discuss the international sale and re-sale of oriental rugs, noting design trends and tastes in collector markets around the world.

Program # 139:
"Rug Recycling"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #140: "Rugs at Work"
Oriental rugs bring grace and style to workplace decorating schemes. A Chicago-based corporate headquarters is featured.

Program #140:
"Rugs at Work"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #141: "Going, Going, Gone"
One of a kind pieces from all over the world arrive at the Skinner gallery in Boston, where specialists identify, appraise and catalog rugs for auction.

Program #141:
"Going, Going, Gone"


$24.95	$39.95

Program #142: "New Collectibles"
John Kurtz travels to the Art Institute of Chicago to look at a rug reproduction program creating high-quality adaptations of the museum's world-class textiles collection.

Program #142:
"New Collectibles"


$24.95	$39.95

Full Series of Tapes:
The following series of VHS tapes are available for
$199.95 each (includes S&H).

1990-91 Art Underfoot
(Tapes 101-110)
$199.95

Series: 101-110

$199.95

email us at for
international ordering information

1991-92 Oriental Rugs et al
(Tapes 111-120)
$199.95

Series: 111-120

$199.95

email us at for
international ordering information

1992-93 Oriental Rugs et al
(Tapes 121-131)
$199.95

Series: 121-131

$199.95

email us at for
international ordering information

1993-94 Oriental Rugs et al
(Tapes 132-142)
$199.95

Series: 132-142

$199.95

email us at for
international ordering information

To contact the show's host, John Kurtz, visit his website at: New Moon Creations and discover his Nepalese rug production.