own in Japan. The wealthy classes
of Japan covered their floors with grass, over which they spread the
skins of animals. The poorer classes had not even skins, but only reeds
or straw. About four hundred years ago silk and wool rugs were
introduced into Japan from Persia, China, and India. For a time the
Japanese imitated these rugs, but later the industry ceased. Since the
opening up of the country, however, rug-weaving has prospered, and the
introduction of fine cotton yarns of uniform quality has increased
greatly the growth of all textile industries. The modern Japanese rugs
are made of cotton or jute, and are used extensively in the United
States in summer homes. In the towns which produce these rugs little
children may be seen busily engaged in weaving, their small fingers
being very deft at this work. The chief colors employed by the Japanese
in their rug-weaving are blue, white, and sometimes a beautiful pink. In
weaving, designing, and coloring, as in everything else the natives do,
their exactness of finish and thoroughness in detail are noticeable. The
Persian designs which were once reproduced in Japan are now supplanted
by designs purely Japanese. The dragon is a favorite design in some of
the older rugs.

[Illustration: KHILIM RUG

SIZE, 12.2 x 5.6

_This is an unusually fine specimen of the antique Shirvan Khilim. Its
hues are softened by time, and the contrasting colors are so carefully
blended that the artistic effect is not lost. This Khilim has been
carefully woven, and is firm and durable. The broad bands of apple green
and other hues, interrupted by narrower bands, give a certain character
and strength of appearance to this beautiful piece of Oriental
workmanship. Some of the bands are embroidered with much skill._

OWNED BY MRS. ROBERT DUNLAP, CHICAGO.]

KHILIM RUGS

WRITTEN ALSO GHILEEM, KELIM, KILIM

The largest number of Khilims are woven in Turkish Kurdistan, although
many are made in the adjoining territory, and at Sinna and Shirvan. They
are also woven by the nomads of Anatolia and Merv, and Turkey in Europe
now produces many Khilims, especially in the vicinity of Servia.

Khilims are made in different sizes, and are alike on both sides, with a
smooth surface. Perhaps the Khilims most familiar to us are those which
are long and narrow. But there are also smaller sizes, the smallest of
all being called mats. All are without nap, and are woven with the flat
stitch by the means of sh