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.
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.
REMARKS.--The best grade of the Herez products. Usually of a finer weave and with more detail in design than the Gorevan.
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.
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.
WOOF.--Natural brown or dyed wool. Usually extra woof threads.
NAP.--Wool of medium length, sometimes camels' hair.
SIDES.--Usually selvaged, occasionally overcast.
[Illustration: 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.