NAP.--Fine, short, silky wool in the antiques, mohair in some of the modern ones.
WEAVE.--Generally close, well tied knots.
SIDES.--Antiques always selvaged, moderns usually overcast and occasionally selvaged.
ENDS.--Narrow web with loose warp ends. Generally dyed yellow.
BORDER.--From seven to fourteen border stripes, having as a rule more than any other class of rugs. Usually one wide stripe with a multiplication of peculiarly marked small ones, which alternate in colors and carry minute designs. A distinguishing feature is the so-called "Kulah" border stripe, which consists of the repetition of a figure which somewhat resembles an alligator and is quite Chinese in character.
PREVAILING COLORS.--In the antiques, red, blue, golden brown, and yellow are the prevailing colors. The modern ones have a purplish tint instead of crimson.
[Illustration: KULAH PRAYER RUG PROPERTY OF THE TIFFANY STUDIOS, NEW YORK CITY]
DYES.--In the antiques the dyes are of the best. Anilines are frequently used in the modern product.
DESIGNS.--The great majority of the Kulah rugs are of the prayer variety. The inner field is frequently filled, or partly filled, with small floral patterns. A figure resembling the Shamrock is quite common. Usually one panel above the prayer field, whereas the Ghiordes generally has two panels: one above and one below the prayer field.
SIZES.--Antiques from three and one-half to five by five to seven feet. Moderns all sizes from mats to carpets.
PRICES.--Antiques costly, from $5.00 to $20.00 per square foot. Modern ones cheap, from $1.50 to $4.00.
REMARKS.--So similar to the Ghiordes that it is sometimes difficult to differentiate. Of the modern ones the better grades are made by the Christians, while the poorer grades are made by the Mohammedans. The distinguishing features of the Kulah are first its characteristic border stripes, second the filled or partly filled centre field, while in the Ghiordes the centre field is generally of a solid color, and third, the single panel, while the Ghiordes generally has two panels.
OWNER'S DESCRIPTION.--The coloring in this rug has a gem-like brilliancy combined with great refinement. The field is of deep rich blue, and the flower forms that rest upon it are of soft canary and azure. Seven borders alternately of tan and blue surround the field and carry the "fleck" design commonly found in borders of this style. Occasional touches of blood red are also distinctive features of these Kulah fabrics.