Posted by Marvin Amstey on March 25, 1999 at 09:07:10:
In Reply to: Re: Commenting Here on Rugs That Are for Sale and... posted by R. John Howe on March 25, 1999 at 04:06:42:
: Hi Tom -
: Couple of thoughts about your exchange with Marvin here.
: First, I suspect he agrees with your point that looking at a photo of a rug is not at all the same thing as having it in your hands. He says as much in his comment to Yon about the Reuben piece.
: Second, a photo does convey something about the character of a rug. That's why people put them in their advertisements and send them to potential customers.
: Third, although I can see that as a dealer you'd like to have a rule of etiquette established that curtails the broadcast of opinions (informed or not) that might interfere with selling a piece, I doubt that you're going to have much success in getting such a rule adopted or adhered to. True, this medium makes the potential impact of such comment more likely but this kind of gossip is not at bottom different from what goes on by word of mouth all the time.
: Different subject: Since we're talking, how do you think Tibetan pony neck decorations were/are woven? Backstrap loom? Should the knot look symmetrical? (not just at the sides)
: Let's see, what was Steve's question? :-) Oh yes, what are the criteria you use in selecting the particular kinds of weavings that you offer for sale? That is, beyond the fact that they contribute to the support your family. It might be interesting to see what a dealer's experience suggests about why we collectors buy what we do.
: Regards,
: R. John Howe
Right on! Marvin