Buying an Oriental rug need not be confusing. This book answers the most frequent questions and offers a great introduction to this ancient and continuing weaving tradition. Nearly 900 contemporary rugs are shown and discussed from Tibet, India, China, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran. Learn their history, production methods, selection guidlines, and tips on care and cleaning. Each rug is described by its origin, size, materials, knot count, dyes, regional makers, and unique characteristics. Guidelines for evaluating the cost of the rugs is provided. With this information in hand, any buyer can approach the rug market confidently, and enjoy the perfect rug. AUTHOR: Mark Blackburn has been a leading dealer in Oriental rugs for thirty years. His travels to all the rug-making regions to work with the weavers, importers, and retail customers has given him a front-row seat in this fascinating, complicated field. He directly states the facts of his business, so that customers can confidently understand and select their new rugs. His business, Wholesalerug.com, has a showroom in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.