ARMENIAN EMBASSY IN USA OPENS ARMENIAN RUGS EXHIBITION

[MosJan]

ARMENIAN EMBASSY IN USA OPENS ARMENIAN RUGS EXHIBITION

WASHINGTON, NOVEMBER 22, ARMENPRESS: The Armenian Embassy in the US is continuing its series of cultural events, dedicated to the 1700th Anniversary of Proclamation of Christianity in Armenia, a press release by the Embassy said.

On November 19, 2001, the Embassy in conjunction with the Armenian Rugs Society opened an exhibition of hand-made Armenian rugs, at the Embassy building in Washington, DC.

The exhibition was opened by the newly appointed Deputy Chief of Mission of the Armenian Embassy, Mr. Armen Edigarian. Welcoming everyone on behalf of the Ambassador Kirakossian, he presented the Armenian Rugs Society and its Founder and President James Keshishian. Mr. Keshishin's contribution to the acquisition and decorating of the Embassy building in Washington is great, and who collected all exhibited textile treasures from individual collectors, scholars and simply enthusiasts.

The Armenian Rugs Society (founded in 1980 in Washington, DC) is an organization dedicated to the collecting, documenting and dispensing of knowledge of inscribed Armenian rugs. It has been exhibited in many cities around the world and received a local, national and international recognition.

The President of the Society Mr. Keshishian expressed his appreciation and thankfulness to the Embassy for cooperation and further introduced the collection of exhibited rugs.

Conceived in antiquity and celebrated in the annals of recorded history, the Armenian textile arts reflect a splendid heritage spanning nearly 3,000 years. This exhibition presents outstanding examples of imaginatively designed and richly colored inscribed Armenian rugs from the 19th and early 20th centuries made for use in Armenian homes and churches. They are from fine weave to being primitive. These, then, are folk art from the many towns and villages of Armenians. The rare examples and survivors of the near total destruction of the Armenian homeland early in the 20th century. They speak through their inscription of the cultural practices of an ancient people and provide invaluable documentation for the study of the evolution and dissemination of carpet design.

As James Keshishian mentioned, "This is our opportunity to preserve part of our heritage in a way that we know and do best".

The opening of the exhibition was attended by the representatives of diplomatic corps and Armenian American community of Washington and media. The exhibition will be on display until December 19, 2001