This exhibition will showcase Canadian society’s profound appreciation of different cultural traditions and its deep-rooted interest in faraway countries and cultures. Through the display of rugs from 30 private collections from Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia, and a selection of rugs from the TMC and other museums, the exhibition will explore the history of rug collecting in Canada as well as the relationship between the country’s private collectors and museums.

The history of Canadian collecting practices and cultural context of the Oriental rug production will be visualized in a beautiful display of over 70 distinctive rugs, horse and camel decorations, and tent bands and bags from Central and West Asia – regions well known for the richness of their rug weaving traditions developed by diverse cultures and peoples. With its rich cultural content, From Ashgabat to Istanbul: Oriental Rugs from Canadian Collections will be a window into their complex and ancient traditions, a meaningful access to the diverse and multifaceted Canadian heritage as well as a captivating journey and a rich learning experience for those interested in Canadian history and world cultures, for those familiar with Oriental rugs and those seeing them for the first time.

Toronto, The Textile Museum of Canada
October 8th, 2014 - April 19th, 2015

http://www.textilemuseum.ca/apps/index.cfm?page=exhibition.detail&exhId=363#