Posted by Marvin Amstey on December 16, 1998 at 20:04:51:
In Reply to: 4 Kurdish hands posted by Wendel Swan on December 16, 1998 at 17:06:01:
: John’s topic asks us to compare weavers of differing skills attempting to execute approximately the same design. Occasionally we see a rug where a different weaver steps in to continue the work. In some instances the new hands can only be seen on the back, but at other times either the skill level or the interpretation changes along with the hands.
: Attached are two images of a Kurdish rug from a Canadian collection which shows, I believe, two sets of hands working side by side to execute the same design, with the result that the two halves of the rug are quite different. The weaver of the right half is obviously the lesser skilled. Speculation as to the relationship of the weavers (mother/daughter, sisters, teacher/pupil, etc.) may not produce an answer, but it is apparent that the relationship endured for the entire weaving process.
: As with Pic #3, the greatest disparity is in the border. Were the rug to be cut in half, would any choose the half on the right?
: Wendel
I would not only reject the right side but also the bottom. I would say that both weavers got a little drunk at the beginning or end (depending on which direction the rug was woven; it's a bit wavey and tipsy at the bottom. Marvin