The Carpet and the Connoisseur: The James F. Ballard Collection of Oriental Rugs

Following several years of extensive research, conservation, and photography, Saint Louis Art Museum’s major 2016 exhibition highlights 50 carpets and two Persian pleasure tents assembled by one of the most important early twentieth-century American carpet collectors, James F. Ballard.

The unique contents of the collection, outstanding quality of many of the rugs, and detailed technical content make this book a major contribution to the study of Islamic textiles and the field of Islamic art history as a whole.

The compelling visual nature of the pieces will appeal to art historians, rug collectors, and the general public alike. The book includes an essay about James Ballard as a collector by Thomas J. Farnham. A second essay by Walter B. Denny introduces the general topic of rug varieties in the Ballard Collection, placing the collection in a larger art historical and historiographic context.

The textiles featured in the exhibition are organized according to geographical origin and style, with brief introductions by Denny that provide more detailed art historical context for each group.

All items have full catalogue entries, full color illustrations, and front and back details showing technical features. Ballard Collection rugs in the museum’s inventory not exhibited are included with a color reproduction and technical data.

The Carpet and the Connoisseur: The James F. Ballard Collection of Oriental Rugs