From the earliest time to the present the Persian has excelled all others in the designing of flowers and in color decoration, therefore the Persian textiles have always shown complex floral designs and harmonious arrangement of colors. Unlike the Turkish fabrics, they almost invariably have a full straight fringe at each end which is composed of loose warp threads.
In Persia both the Senna and the Ghiordes knots are used, and the latter has been adopted in some localities where the former alone was once in vogue.
The weavers of Persia are usually composed of women and children of both sexes. The latter, however, do not take up the work at nearly so early an age as they do in Asia Minor. In Persia they seldom begin earlier than ten years of age, while in Asia Minor thousands of little children from four to six years of age may be seen working at the loom. The usual pay in Persia is fifteen tomans ($0.91) a year for the first two years of their apprenticeship. This amounts to about $13.65 of our money. After the expiration of two years they are paid at the rate of one toman for every 30,000 stitches.
The Persian government has endeavored to uphold the quality of its rugs in the face of demoralizing influences, but alas, Persia too is getting the commercial spirit and aniline dyes are being smuggled into and secretly used all over the country.
One correspondent in Teheran says, "Good rugs are hard to get and are very expensive. There are quantities of the commercial variety, but those can be bought in London as cheap as in Persia." During the recent revolution quite a number of the palaces were sold out by their owners at auction. At these sales the good rugs were quickly picked up at fabulous prices by European residents in Teheran.
There are no rug factories in Persia, but there are several establishments owned by foreigners, especially at Sultanabad and Tabriz, where the wool is dyed and given out to the weavers to take home and weave according to the designs and specifications furnished.
INSPECTING RUGS AT ISPAHAN
PERSIAN VILLAGERS NEAR HAMADAN
PERSIAN RUG PROVINCES
The following is a short description of the various Persian provinces from which rugs come:
Azerbijan is the most northeastern province of Persia. It includes a part of Ancient Armenia and its present population consists mostly of Turks, with some Armenians and Kurds. Tabriz is the capital. Its present output of rugs is very large.
Ardelan is the province just south of Azerbijan. Its inhabitants are mostly Kurds and its capital is Kermanshah.
Irak Ajemi is the largest province of Persia. It practically occupies the centre of the country. Its principal city is Teheran, which is the present capital of Persia. Irak Ajemi has a larger output of rugs than any other province of Persia.
Farsistan or Fars, as it is sometimes called, lies in the southern part of Persia west of Kirman and south of Irak Ajemi. Shiraz is its capital and it produces a wool which is not excelled, if equalled, by that of any other country in the world.
Khorasan is Persia's most southeastern province and, next to Irak Ajemi, its largest one. It is sometimes called "The Land of the Sun," and is inhabited by Arabs, Turkomans, Kurds, Afghans, Baluches, and Jews. The western portion is a desert. Meshed is the capital. It is one of the last of the Persian provinces to be affected by outside influences.
Kirman is the most southerly province of Persia and the least known. Being so difficult of access, it is seldom visited by the traveller; consequently its products are free from outside influence. It has for its capital the city of the same name.
A complete description of each rug of the Persian class is given in the following pages.
HEREZ CARPET
FROM THE COLLECTION OF MR. A. U. DILLEY
HEREZ
A name applied to all carpets made in the mountainous district of Herez and to some from Tabriz and Sultanabad. The different products of this class are so similar in many respects that it is often difficult and sometimes impossible for the expert to differentiate. There is a great prevalence of Mongolian influence in their designs. Until quite recently the Herez district was one of the few districts from which the modern rugs were a decided improvement on the antique, but they have deteriorated considerably of late. They are marketed at Tabriz.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
In exception to most of the Herez weaves this piece has no medallion centre with corner pieces to match, but the style of the floral motifs which fill the field is somewhat characteristic of the region in Northern Persia where it is made. The Herez products are extremely serviceable.
BAKHSHIS
Why So Named.—After the village by that name in the Herez district where they are made.
Knot.—Usually the Senna, sometimes the Ghiordes. Number vertically six to fifteen; number horizontally five to twelve; number to the square inch thirty to one hundred eighty.
Warp.—Always cotton.
Woof.—Always cotton, sometimes dyed brown.
Nap.—Usually a good quality of wool, trimmed short, but rarely lustrous.
Sides.—Nearly always overcast with different colored yarns. Occasionally finished flat.
Ends.—Short fringe with loose warp threads at each end; occasionally they are knotted.
Border.—Usually consists of two narrow and one wide central stripe. The latter frequently carries the Herati design.
Prevailing Colors.—Different shades of red, blue, and green. Also ivory, white, brown, old rose, and sometimes yellow.
Dyes.—As a rule are good. Aniline dyes are found in many of the very new pieces.
Designs.—Usually the medallion centre with or without corners to match. Characteristic angular ornamentation. Shah Abbas, Herati, and Sardar designs frequently used.
Cost.[A]—From $1.00 to $2.50 a square foot.
Sizes.—Six to ten by ten to twenty-six feet. Seldom in small sizes.
Remarks.—Rather rare compared with the rest of the Herez products. Among the most desirable of the large carpets. Until very recently they have been perfectly free from outside influences.
GOREVAN
Synonyms.—Goerivan, Ghorevan.
Why So Named.—After a small village in the Herez district.
Where Made.—Throughout the Herez district.
Knot.—Usually the Senna, occasionally the Ghiordes. Number vertically from eight to fifteen; number horizontally from six to twelve; number to the square inch forty-eight to one hundred eighty.
Warp.—Always cotton.
Woof.—Always cotton, sometimes dyed brown.
Nap.—A rather coarse wool, clipped short.
Sides.—Usually overcast, as a rule with different colored wool, seldom selvaged.
Ends.—Always a short fringe with loose warp threads at each end. Occasionally they are knotted.
Border.—From three to five border stripes, generally three, one wide central stripe with a narrow one on each side. The central stripe frequently carries the Herati design.
Prevailing Colors.—Blue, red, and green in all their shades; brown, old ivory, terra cotta, and occasionally yellow.
Dyes.—Of the best excepting in some of the new pieces.
Designs.—Similar to those of the Bakhshis. A shaded background is a characteristic feature.
Cost.—From $1.25 to $3.50 a square foot.
Sizes.—Six to ten by ten to twenty-six. Seldom smaller than carpet sizes.
Remarks.—Excellent carpets to wear.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
Like most rugs of its class its field presents a medallion with corners to match, all of which is covered with rectilineal flowers and vines. Like most of the Herez products its main border carries the tortoise design.
SERAPI
Synonyms.—Serab, Serabi, Sirab.
Why So Named.—After the village of Serab in the Herez district.
Where Made.—Sometimes in the Herez district, sometimes on the looms of Tabriz and sometimes on those of Sultanabad.
Knot.—Usually the Senna, occasionally the Ghiordes. The finest ones are tied with the Senna knot. Number vertically ten to eighteen; number horizontally eight to twelve; making from eighty to two hundred sixteen to the square inch.
GOREVAN CARPET
Loaned by H. B. Claflin & CO.
Warp.—Always cotton.
Woof.—Always cotton, sometimes dyed.
Nap.—Rather coarse but durable wool, which is generally clipped short.
Sides.—Nearly always overcast, seldom selvaged.
Ends.—Short fringe and loose warp threads at each end. Occasionally knotted.
Border.—Similar to that of the Bakhshis and Gorevan. From three to five border stripes, most usually three.
Prevailing Colors.—Similar to those of the Bakhshis and Gorevan but, as a rule, somewhat brighter.
Dyes.—Usually excellent.
Designs.—Similar to those of the Gorevan, but there are usually more floral elements added to the ground. Frequent inscriptions.
Sizes.—Eight to fifteen by ten to twenty-five. Very few runners and seldom smaller than carpet sizes.
Prices.—$1.50 to $4.00 per square foot.
Remarks.—The best grade of the Herez products. Usually of a finer weave and with more detail in design than the Gorevan.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
It is rather difficult to distinguish between the Serapi and the Gorevan. The principal difference is one of quality, although the former usually has more detail in design and usually more floral elements added to the ground.
This carpet presents a peculiar medallion with four pear-shaped offshoots upon a light ground which is strewn with many rectilineal flowers and leaves. Like nearly all of the Herez products it has three border stripes, one wide one with a narrow one on each side. The former carries the tortoise border design with an arrangement similar to the Herati border design and the latter small flowers in profile alternating with buds.
KARA DAGH
Why So Named.—The words "Kara Dagh" mean Black Mountains, the name of a range in the northern part of the Azerbijan province, where they are woven by shepherd tribes of the most bigoted Shiah sect.
Knot.—Ghiordes. Number vertically eight to fourteen; number horizontally eight to eleven; number to square inch sixty-four to one hundred fifty-four.
Warp.—Wool.
Woof.—Natural brown or dyed wool. Usually extra woof threads.
Nap.—Wool of medium length, sometimes camels' hair.
Sides.—Usually selvaged, occasionally overcast.
SERAPI CARPET
Loaned by H. B. Claflin & CO.
Ends.—One end selvaged and turned back, the other selvaged and finished with a fringe of loose warp threads. The selvage is usually dyed red.
Border.—Usually from three to six border stripes of more or less floral character.
Prevailing Colors.—Similar to those of the Karabagh, but more diversified. The ground contains considerable natural-colored camels' hair.
Dyes.—Usually good. Occasionally an aniline dyed one.
Designs.—More of the Persian character than the Karabaghs, resembling somewhat the rugs of Kurdistan. The field is usually covered with small floral forms, which are thrown broadcast.
Prices.—From $2.00 to $3.00 per square foot.
Sizes.—From three to four by five to seven feet. Runners two and one-half by eight to fifteen.
Remarks.—Seldom seen in the American market. They have kept pretty well up to their original standard. In many respects they are similar to the Karabagh, to which they are somewhat superior.
KASHAN
Why So Named.—After Kashan, a city of 30,000 inhabitants between Teheran and Ispahan, where they are made. Kashan is the centre of the silk rug industry in Persia and it was here that the famous Ardebil carpet was woven.
Knot.—Ghiordes. Number vertically twelve to thirty-five; number horizontally ten to twenty; number to square inch one hundred fifty to five hundred.
Warp.—Cotton, frequently silk or linen.
Woof.—Cotton, frequently silk or linen.
Nap.—Fine short wool, frequently silk.
Weave.—As a rule very evenly and tightly woven.
Sides.—Overcast with wool, sometimes with silk.
Ends.—Short web with loose warp threads at each end.
Border.—From three to seven border stripes.
Prevailing Colors.—Dark blues, reds, and greens; rose, turquoise, deep wine color, and ivory.
Dyes.—Good.
Designs.—Similar to those of the Saruk. Exclusively floral with many connecting vines; medallions; no plain fields.
KASHAN SILK RUG
From the collection of Mr. A. U. Dilley
Sizes.—Only carpet sizes.
Prices.—From $2.00 to $10.00 a square foot.
Remarks.—Among the antique Kashans are a number of old "Hunting Carpets" with elaborate detail work showing in their design forests with hunters and dogs pursuing animals of the chase.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
The Kashan silk rugs are as a class the best silk rugs made and this particular one illustrates the best Persian spirit in design and workmanship. Although not as finely woven as some, it has four hundred and eighty-four knots to the square inch and it is made exclusively of the best Persian silk.
SOUJ BULAK
Why So Named.-After Souj Bulak, the old Kurdish capital some distance south of Tabriz, where they are made by the Kurds.
Knot.—Ghiordes. Number vertically six to eight; number horizontally eight to eleven; number to square inch forty-eight to eighty-eight.
Warp.—Double yarn of wool. Sometimes half cotton and half wool.
Woof.—Double yarn of wool. Sometimes of wool and cotton.
Nap.—Best, soft, double-stranded wool.
Weave.—Closely and tightly woven, making the nap stand up straight.
Sides.—Overcast like other Kurdish rugs.
Ends.—One end has plain selvage, the other selvage and loose warp threads like most Kurdish rugs.
Border.—From two to five border stripes.
Prevailing Colors.—Dark reds, blues, and browns; also white and yellow.
Dyes.—Good.
Designs.—Kurdish designs as a rule. The Herati pattern is frequently employed.
Sizes.—Carpet sizes.
Prices.—Rather rare. From $2.00 to $5.00 per square foot.
Remarks.—Very compact, strong and serviceable.
TABRIZ
Why So Named.—After the city of Tabriz, the Persian capital, in the neighborhood of which they are made.
Knot.—Nearly always the Senna, occasionally Ghiordes. Number vertically twelve to twenty-two; number horizontally ten to twenty; number to square inch one hundred twenty to four hundred forty.
Warp.—Nearly always cotton. Silk in some extra fine specimens. Occasionally linen.
TABRIZ RUG
LOANED BY H. B. CLAFLIN & CO.
Woof.—Cotton, sometimes wool or linen. Formerly dyed the predominating color of the rug, but of late not dyed at all.
Nap.—Good wool, closely woven and closely trimmed.
Sides.—The antiques are usually overcast, while the moderns are generally selvaged.
Ends.—Narrow web with loose warp threads at each end. Occasionally trimmed. Frequently several strands of colored wool run through the web.
Border.—Generally five to eight border stripes; one wide one with an equal number of narrow ones on either side of it.
Prevailing Colors.—Bright blues, reds, and browns; ivory is frequently the predominating color of the field.
Dyes.—Usually good. Some of the modern pieces have aniline dyes. The blues, reds, and browns are especially likely to be aniline.
Designs.—Nearly always a medallion with field covered with intricate floral designs. Frequently verses from the Koran or of Persian poets are found in the borders. Tree of life patterns are frequent and a heart-shaped lamp often hangs from the niche in the prayer rugs. Seldom are figures of birds, animals, or human beings used.
Sizes.—All sizes, from mats to large carpets.
Cost.—From $3.00 to $10.00 per square foot.
Remarks.—The modern ones are too regular and exact in pattern and show European influences. They are so firm and closely woven that they are stiff and non-flexible.
With the Kirman the Tabriz shares the reputation of having the most graceful floral designs. They are purely Persian and have suffered little from outside influence. Many of them are so closely woven that they are apt to curl on the edges.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
This particular piece is a good example of the average design with its floral medallion and many border stripes.
BIJAR
Synonyms.—Sarakhs, Lule.
Why So Named.—After a town in Western Persia in the province of Kurdistan. Sometimes called Sarakhs because they are made by tribesmen who came from the old city by that name and settled around Bijar.
Knot.—Ghiordes. Number vertically six to ten; number horizontally eight to twelve; number to the square inch forty-eight to one hundred twenty.
Warp.—Heavy wool.
Woof.—Heavy wool, occasionally camels' hair.
Nap.—Heavy lustrous wool. The field is often of camels' hair.
Sides.—Overcast.
Ends.—Selvaged, sometimes a fringe woven on. The web of one end is frequently turned back and hemmed.
Border.—Usually from two to four border stripes.
Prevailing Colors.—Field frequently the natural color of the camel. Rich reds, blues, and greens; also white, old ivory, and yellow.
Dyes.—Usually good except in some of the modern pieces.
Designs.—Generally floral, often medallion centre with elaborate corner pieces. Inscriptions frequent. Patterns irregular. Modern ones inclined to be rectilinear. Antiques frequently have figures of birds, animals, and human beings.
Cost.—$1.50 to $4.00 per square foot.
Sizes.—Modern ones in carpet size; antiques three to five by five to eight.
Remarks.—The antiques are very rare and the modern ones are much inferior. Many of them are so thick and heavy that they cannot be folded but must be rolled up.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
Maj. L. B. Lawton's Description.—A complete rug in rare design. Usually such rarities are cut up so as to show the breaks in pattern, and fortunate collectors get one fraction. The soft colors in this are unusual even in Bijar.
See also illustration on page 328.
KERMANSHAH (MODERN)
Why So Named.—After the city of Kermanshah from which they are shipped, it being a great caravan centre.
Where Made.—In the vicinity of Tabriz and of Sultanabad.
Knot.—Nearly always the Senna, seldom the Ghiordes. Number vertically eight to sixteen; number horizontally eight to twelve; number to the square inch sixty-four to one hundred ninety-two.
BIJAR RUG
Size 3'9" × 2'9"
PROPERTY OF MISS EMILY DAVIS, BUFFALO, N. Y.
Warp.—Always cotton.
Woof.—Always cotton, occasionally dyed brown.
Nap.—The choicest, lustrous wool, closely woven and usually cut short.
Ends.—Narrow web with loose warp threads at each end.
Sides.—Overcast with dark wool.
Borders.—From three to five border stripes, most frequently five, one wide with two narrow ones on each side.
Prevailing Colors.—Soft shades of pinks, greens, or blues on a field of old ivory.
Dyes.—In many the dyes are good, but are toned down with acids, while in others anilines are used.
Designs.—Delicate, artistic and intricate floral designs. Central medallion and corner panels frequent.
Sizes.—All sizes, from mats to carpets as large as thirty-five to fifty-five feet.
Cost.—$1.75 to $6.00 per square foot.
Remarks.—There is as much difference between the modern and the antique Kermanshahs as there is between any two kinds of the Persian class. The former are made at Tabriz or Sultanabad under European supervision, are almost invariably doctored and can be had in abundance, while the latter were made by the mountaineers along the Turkish border, are of the best material, dyes and workmanship and are rarely seen in the market.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
Like most of its class it consists of artistic and intricate floral designs with a central medallion and graceful border stripes. In many Kermanshahs, as in this piece, the pear motif is frequently employed. See illustration at page 118.
SENNA
Synonyms.—Sehna, Sinne, Senneh.
Why So Named.—After the city of Senna in the vicinity of which they are made.
Knot.—Senna always. Not equalled in number of knots by any other rug. Number vertically ten to thirty; number horizontally ten to thirty-two; number to the square inch one hundred to nine hundred sixty. Some antiques have as high as one thousand to the square inch.
Warp.—Cotton, sometimes silk or linen.
Woof.—Cotton, sometimes wool, silk or linen.
Nap.—Finest silky wool, very closely cut.
Sides.—Overcast with red cotton or silk.
Ends.—Always a narrow web at each end, with a fringe of loose warp threads. Frequently one or two strands of colored yarn run through the web at one end.
SENNA RUG
(HERATI DESIGN)
OWNED BY H. B. CLAFLIN & CO.
Border.—From two to seven border stripes, most frequently three, a wide one with a narrow one on either side, the former usually filled with rosettes which are connected by a wavy line. Sometimes it will carry the Herati design. The ground color of the main stripe is almost invariably bright red or yellow.
Prevailing Colors.—Usually subdued shades of red, blue, green, yellow, and pink; ivory, gold, sapphire, rose, and peach blow beautifully blended. The modern ones are too bright.
Dyes.—Many of the modern ones are aniline dyed.
Designs.—Palm leaf throughout the field is a common design. Also a central diamond or medallion frequently of the pole variety. Sometimes centre field is covered with flowers. A diaper arrangement of the Pear or Herati design is the most common.
Sizes.—Usually of medium size, four to five by six to eight; seldom larger. Saddle bags two and one-half to three by four feet; mats two feet by one foot.
Cost.—From $2.00 to $6.00 a square foot.
Remarks.—Excel in fineness of weave, but edges are likely to curl and pucker, consequently they do not lie well and are too thin to wear well.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
Like this piece most of the Sennas present the serrated diamond-shaped pole medallion with the Herati design. They frequently have the Herati border also, though this piece has not.
FERAGHAN
Synonym.—Sometimes erroneously called Iran, which means Persian.
Why So Named.—Because they are made on the plains of Feraghan, west of the line of travel between Teheran and Ispahan.
Knot.—All antiques are tied with the Senna knot. Some of the modern ones are tied with the Ghiordes knot. Number vertically, antiques eight to fourteen, moderns six to fourteen; number horizontally, antiques eight to eighteen, moderns five to twelve; number to square inch, antiques sixty-four to two hundred fifty-two, moderns thirty to one hundred sixty-eight.
Warp.—Always cotton.
Woof.—Nearly always cotton, sometimes dyed.
Nap.—Usually of good wool, frequently of camels' hair.
Sides.—Overcast, usually with black wool.
Ends.—Narrow selvage hemmed over at one end, with a selvage and loose warp threads at the other end.
FERAGHAN RUG
(HERATI DESIGN)
PROPERTY OF THE TIFFANY STUDIOS, NEW YORK CITY
Border.—From three to nine border stripes, which usually carry small floral designs. Herati border is the most common and is almost characteristic. Usually one wide border stripe with a background of green and from one to four narrow border stripes on each side of it.
Prevailing Colors.—Green usually forms the background of the main border. The field is usually dark blue, soft red or ivory. Yellow is used considerably in the modern ones.
Dyes.—Splendid in the antiques. Of inferior quality in the moderns.
Designs.—Herati field the most common. Occasionally the Guli Hinnai is employed. Sometimes a centre of plain red medallions. There may be a repetition of some small figures throughout the field. All animal and bird designs in the Feraghans are represented as in motion.
Sizes.—Usually small sizes, three to four by four to six. Occasionally carpet sizes. Antiques mostly oblong.
Prices.—Antiques $2.50 to $10.00 per square foot. Moderns $1.00 to $2.50.
Remarks.—They rank among the best fabrics of Persia, but of late years have fallen to the joblot level. The antiques are soft, durable and heavy, but are scarce.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
Owner's Description.—The typical Feraghan rendering of the Herati pattern is here illustrated in which the dark blue field and green main border carry the Persian variant of the Herati design, which is popularly known as the "fish pattern," and which is copied with more or less accuracy all through central Persia.
Hommel Rug (page 114).—Knot: Ghiordes; number to the inch, vertically nine; horizontally seven; to the square inch, sixty-three.
The field, like that of the majority of Feraghans, is covered with the Herati design. The background is of black and the figures are red, blue, green, pink, yellow and white.
The main border stripe carries eight-petaled flowers of various colors, connected by the fish-bone motif upon a ground of white. On either side of this is a flower and vine design in various colors, the inner one on a ground of old rose and the outer one on a ground of dark brown. The inner and outer border stripes carry the reciprocal saw-teeth; the former in blue and red and the latter in green and red.
The nap is about three-quarters of an inch in length and is exceedingly glossy.
HAMADAN
Synonyms.—Hamadieh, Hamadie.
Why So Named.—After the city of Hamadan, in the vicinity of which they are made. Hamadan is the capital of the province of Irak Ajemi in western Persia and has a population of 35,000.
Knot.—Ghiordes. Number vertically seven to ten; number horizontally seven to ten; number to square inch forty-nine to one hundred.
Warp.—Antiques always cotton.
Woof.—Usually considerable camels' hair in natural color. Cotton or wool.
HAMADAN RUG
PROPERTY OF MR. A. U. DILLEY
Nap.—Usually good wool or camels' hair of medium length.
Weave.—Antiques fine. Moderns coarse.
Sides.—Overcast.
Ends.—Fringe at one end and hemmed web at the other.
Border.—Three to six border stripes, usually four. The characteristic feature is a broad outside band of camels' hair. The Herati border design is frequently used.
Prevailing Colors.—The natural camels' hair brown prevails with soft delicate reds, pinks, blues, and greens.
Dyes.—Of the best in the antiques, but generally poor in the modern fabrics.
Designs.—Pole medallion is almost universal. Field is usually filled with floral designs or a trellis arrangement. Antiques resemble animal skins.
Sizes.—Antiques come in all sizes. Moderns two to four by four to six and runners two to four by eight to thirty.
Prices.—$1.00 to $3.00 per square foot. Antiques rare and expensive.
Remarks.—The modern ones are poor. The antiques are handsome and durable.
THE EXAMPLES ILLUSTRATED
This piece, like most of its class, has a nap which consists principally of natural-colored camels' hair, as is manifested in
the central field and outer border. Like most Hamadans it also has a pole medallion in the centre of the field with corners to match. The weaver has adopted the Kurdish method of shading the field with camels' hair of different shades. The principal border stripe consists of alternate rosette and fish-bone motifs on each side of which there are small floral forms alternating in direction and connected by meandering vines.
Stanton Rug (page 110).—Like most of its class, this piece has a pile which consists mostly of undyed camels' hair. The colors, designs and border stripes are characteristic features, especially the motives in the outer border stripe, which are found in no other product. This piece has an unusually long nap, which not only adds to its wearing quality, but makes it lie better on the floor.
ISPAHAN
Synonym.—Isfayan. Sometimes, like the Feraghan, it is called Iran.
Why So Named.—After the city of Ispahan, the former capital of Persia, where they were made by expert weavers in the employ of the nobility at Ispahan, Teheran, and Saruk during the period of highest art.
Knot.—Senna. Number vertically ten to twenty; number horizontally eight to fifteen; number to the square inch eighty to three hundred.
Warp.—Cotton.
Woof.—Cotton.
Nap.—Best, soft, glossy wool.
Weave.—Usually close and even.
Sides.—Overcast.
Ends.—Narrow web with loose warp ends.