Mondays, July 6, 13, 20, 27 August 3, 10
3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

What makes an Oriental rug so captivating—its elegant design, intricate patterns, or the mystery of its origins? In this richly illustrated course, participants discover the stories woven into these remarkable textiles. The course travels through the history and artistry of rug and carpet weaving, a tradition rooted in Asia and North Africa, with examples dating back to the 4th century. Using stunning visuals and expert insights, the course explores major carpet-making cultures and regions as well as how to recognize defining features of Oriental rugs: weaving traditions, key historical periods, purposes, and production contexts.

Sumru Krody is Chief Curator and Avenir Foundation Curator of The Textile Museum Collection at The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum. A specialist in late antique and Islamic textiles, she leads the museum’s curatorial department and serves as Editor-in-Chief of The Textile Museum Journal.