#original persian rugs

[shiftingbikeculture]

Bedroom - Transitional Bedroom

Large transitional master bedroom with gray walls and a traditional fireplace and a light wood floor, brown ceiling, and wallpaper.

[justalost4girl]

Two

One Word Count: 2752 taglist: @langedelalune @esposadejoyhuerta @scarlettbitchx

════ ⋆★⋆ ════ 

Luke's POV

✧ ˚ 　· 　　

One year earlier

Our sources alert that a certain spider has cast its webs. We count on your presence at our annual arachnid meeting, which will exceptionally take place today at 2 PM for exclusive details about this new species that attacks under the light. More information about the location is attached in the email. We await you there.”

Luke took his eyes off the screen and looked around the room. A spacious, elegantly decorated office, with a panoramic view of the sky through the floor-to-ceiling windows. An Italian leather sofa set rested in the center of the room, surrounded by handcrafted chairs with intricate details he imagined had been designed by hand. His own desk was cluttered with luxurious items of uncertain origin, extravagant gifts from the Hydra Corp’s head of data. Damn Hydra, with its dark history of human experiments, deep-rooted prejudices, and flawless marketing that made them appear as the good guys.

He reread the email, feeling a chill down his spine. The code might pass unnoticed by inexperienced eyes, but he knew what it meant. "Spider" referred to the legendary SHIELD spy who worked tirelessly to dismantle Hydra. Luke was in her crosshairs for his association with the organization.

The idea of Hydra being dismantled wasn’t entirely unpleasant to him. Deep down, Luke bitterly regretted every contract he had ever signed with them. But he would do anything not to return to the life of poverty he had before. He typed a response confirming his presence at the meeting when two knocks on the door caught his attention. He ran his hands over his face, trying to hide his worries.

A young woman appeared at the door, shy.

Always shy.

"Come in, Newton. What do you need?" He asked, picking up the stress ball his analyst threw at him.

"Stop with all this formality, I just came to ask for your feedback on my code. I want to leave on time today to have our coffee." You said, smiling excitedly. Newton's presence always brought a sense of normalcy to your chaotic life, and he wouldn't trade those coffee afternoons with you for almost anything in the world, but he needed to. Now he was about to be dragged even further into the web of intrigue involving Hydra and SHIELD and he would never forgive himself if he put you, who reminded him of himself, at risk.

Luke almost felt guilty seeing your face light up with expectation. "No coffee today, I'm afraid. There's a last-minute meeting." He said, watching your expression fall.

You sighed and nodded resignedly. "Alright, but tomorrow it's on you." And he tossed the stress ball back to you.

"See you tomorrow, Newton." You smiled sadly and left the room towards the café. He sighed and grabbed his keys, making his way to the address from the email that was about to change his life.

Luke arrived at the building early, his heart beating faster than usual. The building was extravagant and discreet at the same time, as if every detail of the décor had been meticulously planned not to reveal the kind of people who frequented the place. He walked through the luxurious lobby, his eyes capturing the Persian rugs, the impressionist paintings on the walls, and the strategically positioned designer furniture to impress without being ostentatious.

Entering the conference room, Luke sat down and was handed a tablet with several photographs. One in particular caught his attention: a red-haired woman with a piercing gaze. Before he could ask who she was, a severe-looking man sat down in front of him and began to speak.

"Her name is Natasha Romanoff," the man said, pointing to the photo. "She's known as the Black Widow. We have information that she's been frequenting the café where you usually go, observing our movements for weeks."

Luke felt a chill run down his spine. Natasha Romanoff was the name behind the codename that terrified any Hydra collaborator, and now she was closer than he had imagined.

"Our advice is that you avoid that café from now on. She's extremely dangerous, and we're certain she's plotting something big," the counter-spy continued. "We also want to discuss another matter. We have an ongoing plan, and we'll need your cooperation when the time comes. You'll be rewarded."

Luke nodded, absorbing the information. The idea of being targeted by one of the world's most notorious spies unsettled him, but he knew he had no choice but to cooperate. He took notes on Hydra's new project and once again felt the weight of his choices that day, but Luke could handle it, he always does.

Or so he thought.

The next day, while talking to you, Luke returned to his office with his hands on his chest, unable to breathe. "Nat…" He muttered to himself. The association was immediate and disturbing. Natasha Romanoff, the spy he had been warned about just the day before… Every detail matched the enthusiastic description of yours "soul mate". The red hair, the penetrating green eyes, the captivating presence.

He bit his tongue so hard not to scream that he tasted metal, yet he didn't care. What was supposed to be just a data sale had put you in danger, and you had no idea.

With his mind racing, he knew he needed to act quickly. Luke picked up the phone and dialed a number he hoped he'd never have to use. "We need to meet. It's urgent," he said, his voice tense. "The spider has spun its web around my analyst. We need to protect her."

☆。*。☆。

Six months earlier

"A bait," Alex's low voice referring to you was etched in Luke's brain. "The girl will be bait. Let Natasha think she's in control, let her go in the direction we want. If everything goes well, we can get rid of two problems at once and If she really falls in love, it will be easier."

Those words echoed in Luke's mind as he walked alongside you towards the café. He saw your happiness on display and deeply wished he could tell the truth with every step they took together. But he couldn't risk putting you in danger, not when everything was so delicately planned.

Sitting at the table with Natasha, Luke watched each interaction with a mix of admiration and apprehension. He admired how well you and Natasha got along, but knew that behind that smile, a much more dangerous game was unfolding, and deep down he hoped her feelings were genuine because Luke would always root for your happiness.

When the call interrupted their brief moment of normalcy, Luke returned to reality with a heavy heart. He needed to maintain control of the situation, protect you, and ensure the Hydra plan moved forward as planned.

Luke answered the call with a growing sense of urgency in his chest. It was Alex on the other end, his contact/mentor, and the words he heard made him tense.

"A trip," Alex began, using a calculated tone. "It's time to put the plan into action. I need you three in Seattle in a week, I've taken care of everything."

Luke felt a chill run down his spine. The trip to Seattle wasn't just a routine work task; it was a crucial part of the plan to neutralize Natasha's operations. He took a deep breath, focusing on keeping calm as he absorbed the gravity of the situation—he would be responsible for ending the girlfriend of his favorite person.

"Understood," Luke replied, his voice firm. "We'll prepare. Natasha will be with us?" He asked to confirm, praying he would say no. Neutralizing Natasha was bad enough, doing it in front of you was worse.

"Yes, and your Newton too," Alex confirmed. "She needs to be there. Make sure she's fully involved, but keep it discreet."

Luke nodded, even though Alex couldn't see him. He knew there was a lot at stake, and every step needed to be carefully planned to avoid any complications.

"Understood," Luke repeated, ending the call and returning to his seat at the table. Coming back near you and Natasha, he tried to disguise the tension as he shared the news of the trip. Natasha's reaction wasn't surprising to him; he knew she would see this as an opportunity to investigate him further.

Her suggestion of wanting to participate wasn't unexpected, but he couldn't let her suspect, so he pretended to oppose the idea. Luke left a brief pause hanging in the air, waiting for Natasha's response. He knew that if she agreed to go, it would make his task of keeping her close and under control easier. And when you asked for his permission with that loving look, he knew he had a lot to apologize to you for.

End of Luke's POV

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

☆。*。☆。

Five months earlier…

It was the last day of the trip, and Natasha was elated. She had managed to plant listening devices in Luke's meeting room after catching him off guard. Thanks to you, she knew the client would come that afternoon to sign Luthor Corp's final security agreement. With access to the cameras and audio, she could prove it was all a front for selling data to Hydra, and she was there to serve justice. Surely, you shouldn't hate her. Fury would be pleased too, of course. It would be good for her reputation.

Obviously, the gorgeous woman sitting across from her, with Star Wars boots contrasting perfectly with a form-fitting jumpsuit, wasn't the only reason to celebrate the likely success of the plan. You noticed her scrutiny and smiled at the woman who had stolen your heart and left you marked from the previous night, requiring almost a ton of makeup on your neck.

Ten minutes late, Luke arrives dressed in a luxurious black suit and makes his way over to hug you gently, conveying a mix of excitement and unease you had never seen in him before. "Newton, you look stunning, but I'm afraid you won't be joining the meeting today. And since we have a free schedule tomorrow, you're free to enjoy the rest of the day with Nat."

You furrow your brow and look at him, surprised. "Really? Luke, this is unexpected. I've prepared for this meeting."

He smiled, a melancholic gesture that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I know, but it's our last night here. I want you two to have a good time, really soak in what the city has to offer."

Natasha felt a slight discomfort, her trained agent instincts alerting her to the sudden change in plans. "Luke, are you sure? It doesn't sound good for the clients not to follow through with the…"

Luke cut her off with a serious look. "I know, Nat. But I trust you both to enjoy the city on my behalf. Trust me on this."

Natasha smiled and glanced at you, pondering for a moment. Some time alone, carefree, was a rare thing. "Alright. A night to unwind wouldn't be bad. Let's find something to do and a nice place to dinner. Thank you, Luke."

Luke nodded, hiding his concerns beneath a mask of determination. "You deserve this night. Enjoy it." He shook Natasha's hand for the first time. “Take care of her,” she nods , finding everything very suspicious.

Luke turned to you, holding your face. “You're brilliant, Newton, and the best friend I've ever had. Never forget that.”

You don't notice, but Luke holds you a little tighter.

✧♬•¨•.｡

The city pulsed with life as Natasha took you to explore lively bars and clubs in the area. The atmosphere of the business trip now felt distant, replaced by the excitement of a promising night

. Natasha chose a bustling bar where the sound of live music filled the space. She led you to a strategic spot near the dance floor, where the vibrant rhythm seemed inviting.

"Shall we dance a bit?" Natasha suggested, with a playful smile on her lips.

Dancing wasn’t exactly your thing, but you liked pleasing Natasha. "Sure, for you, Natasha."

You join the crowd moving to the rhythm of the music. Natasha completely let loose, dancing gracefully and energetically, attracting curious looks and occasional admirers.

She becomes the center of the party within minutes.

You, being a bit more reserved, let yourself be carried away by the engaging rhythm, following Natasha's steps with concentrated effort. Natasha, noticing your hesitation, smiles and adjusts her rhythm to something more accessible.

Between songs, Natasha leads you to a quieter corner of the bar where you can talk without shouting over the loud music.

"You did really well on the dance floor," Natasha praised, a sparkle of admiration in her eyes.

You laugh, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thanks, but I definitely need more practice, I still haven't learned…"

She cuts you off with a kiss because your Nat has this habit of interrupting you before you can say something negative about yourself.

Nat tucks a strand of hair behind your ear, studying you with curiosity. "Are you having fun?"

Nodding with a genuine smile, you kiss her and whisper, "Yes, I am. Thank you for bringing me here, Nat.”

And your lips meet as your bodies sway to the music.

You decide to end the night at a restaurant near the hotel, which Luke had recommended that morning. After dinner and two bottles of wine, you leave the restaurant together and notice the rain falling softly, painting the pavement with silvery reflections.

Natasha, noticing that you were starting to shiver slightly, took off her coat and placed it on your shoulders with a gentle smile.

"I don't want you catching a cold," the redhead said tenderly, adjusting the coat around you and placing her hands in her pockets.

A bit more relaxed after the wine, you laughed and agreed, feeling cozy under Natasha's coat. You hugged her tighter, savoring the scent of the woman you love.

As you walked back to the hotel, both of your phones vibrated simultaneously. You stopped and pulled out your phone, noticing an email from Luke. Opening it, you were confused and slightly disturbed by his words: an apology for getting you involved with Natasha because of him, and an attachment. You looked up and saw Natasha's eyes gleaming at her phone.

Something didn’t feel right, and it was as if the alcohol evaporated from your body at exactly 1:58 AM.

The rain began to fall harder, forming a translucent veil around you both. Natasha looked at you with a soft, sincere expression. She seemed incredibly happy. You didn’t understand. In an impulse, Natasha gently cupped your face in her hands and kissed you deeply and softly. The rain fell around you while the moment seemed to freeze in time.

You placed your hands on Natasha's shoulders, gently caressing for a minute as you gave in to the moment, still dazed. Natasha broke the kiss for a moment, smiling tenderly as she looked into Newton's eyes.

"I love you, Newton," Natasha whispered, letting the words float between you in the night rain. You told her you loved her too, and she hugged you, her heartbeat loud in your ears. The email could be opened later; all you wanted now was the eternal company of your Nat.

The moment of intimacy was abruptly interrupted by the screeching sound of tires skidding and metal crashing violently against a nearby pole. A car, speeding, veered towards you, swerving at the last second and skidding across the wet pavement before colliding violently.

Dazed by the shock and the deafening noise, you saw the car shatter against the pole.

A familiar car.

Instinctively, you moved towards the accident site, your heart pounding wildly. Then, a scream of horror escaped your lips.

Natasha, driven by Newton's scream, ran to her, her own feelings of shock and fear mirrored on her face. She knelt beside Newton, her eyes widening at the terrible scene before them. The sight of Luke's and a Hydra spy's lifeless bodies in the twisted wreckage terrified her, and Natasha didn’t know what to do other than hold you tighter.

---

Part 3 Let me know what you think :)

[hotvintagepoll]

Propaganda

Clara Bow (Wings, It)—The original It Girl (literally), Clara was the epitome of a flapper film star. She was obviously a looker, but it was her acting that won over hearts. Watch the movie It (no clowns) to get a sense of her charms. And while she's most known for her silents, (including Wings, the winner of the first ever Best Picture Academy award) she did make some talkies! Contrary to popular belief, sound films didn't ruin her career; she reportedly just hated the process of making them. She had a really interesting background and it's a shame she's not as well remembered as others of her time.

Bebe Daniels (Rio Rita)—When Bebe Daniels was jailed for 10 days on a speeding charge, she had nearly 800 visitors who brought her things to make her cell comfortable — including a Persian rug. When she had some jewelry stolen in Chicago, Al Capone himself put the word out that it better be returned *or else*. Beyond all this, she was also a shrewd businesswoman who helped write, produce, and edit her movies. When her Hollywood career started to wane, she moved to England and became a radio (and then TV) star. She also played a female Zorro-type character in the silent film Señorita. [pics below the cut]

This is round 2 of the tournament. All other polls in this bracket can be found here. Please reblog with further support of your beloved hot sexy vintage woman.

[additional propaganda submitted under the cut.]

Clara Bow:

She has gorgeous doe eyes, how can you not love her?

The original it girl! Flapper icon! She's sooo fun and charming and confident, it just shines through any film or picture you see of her.

I love love love her genderbendy boy style and her cute twinkly performances!! watch wings i s2g she absolutely brings it

She's literally THE It Girl. Like actually, she's the term's namesake. She was an extremely prolific silent film actress with a reputation for wild behavior who defined the 20s flapper era. Her boyish frame, androgynous style, and red curly hair were widely emulated.

Bebe Daniels:

Linked gifset

Linked gifset 2

Linked gifset 3

[shit-people-probably-didnt-say]

Crows Name Meanings because why not?

🐦‍⬛ Kaz:

Meaning: Destroyer of peace; One who declares peace; Child of peace or harmony

Kaz is an incredibly dynamic name popular for boys and has Slavic origins.

Kaz comes from the name Cassius, which means “hollow”, and was famously worn by one of the conspirators against Julius Caesar. This may be why it has gained the meaning “destroyer of peace.”

However, Kaz has an endearing connotation, too! In Japanese, Kaz comes from Kazuko, which means “harmony” and “child of peace.” This powerful title will find a home in a soul who is unafraid of forging their own, unique path.

Baby Kaz will undoubtedly stay true to themselves as they journey through life, carrying a remarkable presence everywhere they go.

🌺 Inej:

Meaning: Faithful, The faithful one

Inej is a girl's name of Spanish origin.

Meaning "faithful" or "the faithful one", this name is for the parent intending to raise baby in a life of faith.

🎲 Jesper:

Meaning: King of the treasure; Treasurer

Jesper is a masculine name of Danish, Dutch, and Persian origin.

A variant of the Persian name Jasper, this name translates to “King of the treasure” or “treasurer.” Wealth comes in many forms, whether it’s gold, knowledge, or moments with your loved ones.

Of course, baby is going to be a priceless new addition to your family. If you want to always remind baby how invaluable they are, the name Jesper makes for a bountiful choice.

🎼 Wylan:

Meaning: Wayside land; Crafting one; Brave in battle

Wylan offers a dapper appellation steeped in cool kid vibes. A form of Waylan and Waylon, masculine Wylan is a topographical name meaning “wayside land.” Wylan’s origins don’t stop there, as the name also has Germanic and Old Norse roots, where it derives from Wayland.

Wylan adopts the meaning “crafting one” from Wayland the Smith, a mythological master blacksmith who escaped the king’s custody by flying away with a winged cloak he crafted. He is mentioned in several Germanic and Old Norse poems, including the Old English classics, Waldere and Beowulf.

Wayland may also mean “brave in battle,” equipping baby with a warrior-worthy title. Not only is Wylan effortlessly chill for the cool-as-a-cucumbers, this handsome title comes steeped in ancient lore and ingenuity.

🫀Nina:

Meaning: Little girl

Nina is a girl’s name with various possible   origins, arguably the most well-known being Spanish.

Aptly meaning “little girl,” this simple title never seems to go out of style.

Sharing her name with the Incan goddess of fire, Nina can be inspired to let her flame burn bright. Also connected to a Babylonian goddess, there is no shortage of heavenly influences for this little girl.

🐺 Matthias:

Meaning: Gift of God; Bear

Matthias is a refreshing twist to the ancient masculine name Mathew sure to give baby a distinctive edge.

Emerging from the Hebrew Matityahu, meaning "gift of God," Matthias bears this definition with all the swagger of a rock star.

As much as Matthias seems to push against tradition, its very sound directly links it with the Ancient Greek translation of Matityahu, Mattathias, which pre-dates even Mathew.

Touring overseas to Celtic shores, Matthias finds an intriguing kinship with the Irish mathúin, which means "bear." A relic with a rugged appeal, as names go.

Matthias serves up stage presence before baby has even taken their first steps.

Do with this what you will

[written-with-blue-ink]

Could we get headcanons of different pets the Genshin men would have and how they would interact with them or their personalities? Especially Diluc and Alhaitham. I love men with animals, the biggest green flag

I got you, boo! I honestly couldn't stop once I started so added a few other characters

Alhaitham, Diluc, Kaeya, Childe, Cyno TW: neglected animals in Cyno's

Pet Headcanons

Alhaitham

She showed up in a previous post but I think he would have a cat

An Egyptian Mau to be precise, her name would be Asal (Persian for honey) after her golden/bronze coat

She would 100% be a curious and very intelligent kitten who loves to run around and play

Type of cat who just climbs up fabric/clothes and will sit on your shoulder or around your neck

Will bite and pull on your ear if you oversleep and don’t feed her

Literally embodiment of “Ray of Sunshine”

Absolutely loves Kaveh for some reason (totally not because he spoils her rotten)

“Kaveh, stop feeding her so much, she’s getting fat. I don’t want two spoiled lazy cats”

“Excuse you, she’s perfect and skinny as is… Wait did you insult me too?!”

Does tricks! she knows how to sit, shake, tap (where she taps her nose to your finger/thumb) and is learning more

Diluc

A big dog man

I could see him with rottweilers, german shepherds or bernese mountain dogs with a name like “Bear” or “Beau”, short, bold, and simple.

Originally gotten as guard dogs for a paranoid Ragnvindr who has many enemies and just got back from a murder spree in Snezhnaya, they now work more as emotional support dogs for him and others

He also still has his childhood tortoise (because those things live forever) which he named ‘Clip’ as a child

He’s very mellow, the dogs treat him as one of their own

They also cuddle and sleep together, two dogs wrapped around a tortoise who rests his head on the dog’s neck

When he and Kaeya were in their older teens, Crepus got them both large Clydesdale horses when they both joined the Knight’s Cavalry. 

He named his horse Skinfaxi and Kaeya has Hrímfaxi (named after the sun and moon horses from Norse mythos)

Skinfaxi is one hell of a mare, it took Diluc a lot of time, energy, and patience to get her to behave (though she still has a playful streak)

Would buck him off during training but she was the fastest horse in the Cavalry

He would take her on long rides at night through the woods and around Dawn Winery just to get her to trust him

Kaeya

Obviously, Hrímfaxi, who, unlike his sister, was much more timid.

They both got along really well, with no issues, unlike their siblings.

The two riding are almost like one being, completely in synch

With the cavalry gone, Mondstadt City doesn’t have a lot of space for a horse so he stays with his sister at Dawn Winery

Kaeya comes by whenever he can to ride him

But besides her he would take care of the stray cats around Mondstadt City, refilling food and water bowls around the city while on patrol

One day, after a long night, Kaeya woke up to clawing and meowing at the door and saw his favorite cat, a Calico named Lucky, wandered inside and flopped on his rug in pain, crying as he noticed the giant lump coming from her stomach

By sunrise, he now had a mother of three kittens refusing to leave his house.

Two girls (One Calico like her mom and the other orange) and a boy (A black cat with faint stripes)

He lets Klee name them: Sunny (Orange), Cloudy (Calico) and Stormy (the black cat)

The girls are definitely headstrong while Stormy is shy and tends to hide behind his big sisters

(as a kaeya kinnie with three stray/outdoor cats, he gets them too)

Childe

From a family with lots of big dogs, like Great Pyrenees, Samoyed, and Tibetan Mastiffs

When he moved to Liyue for deployment and got super lonely, his subordinates weren’t super close to him and locals didn’t trust him as a Harbinger, he grew rather lonely

Till he went into the countryside to deal with some Treasure Hoarders and saw them using weasels and ferrets to carry contraband and money around without notice

What really sold him was watching a little kid in the camp playing with one and rubbing noses with it

The next day Ajax had two ferrets running around his apartment with the most expensive ferret setup money could buy

They are the most playful, feral things who love running around and play-fighting each other

Named Jayson and Lila, a pair of twins

(totally didn't name them after the stoats from Burrow’s End)

Loves them so much and plays with them throughout all of his free time

Leaves them to his assistant whenever he is away or is busy (who proceeds to give her hell)

They love it when he wears big coats/parkas so they can climb in and snuggle

Cyno

Didn’t have pets growing up

His first pet was on a mission as General Mahamatra, arrested some guy, went through his house for evidence, and found a severely malnourished and neglected Leopard Gecko

Some of his claws had fallen off to nubs due to layers of sheaded skin build up and he was cold to the touch from lack of heating. 

The lizard curls up into his warm hands and it immediately melts the General Mahamatra’s heart

Immediately putting him back and picking up the cage, he leaves the rest of the investigation to his coworkers before rushing to Gandharva Ville

Scared Tighnari and Collei with how quickly he rushed in through the door with a giant glass terrarium.

Looks calm and collected but is sitting in the corner with Collei just staring at Tighnari and the lizard, internal panic on the inside

Once Tighnari gives an analysis, Cyno asks Nari to watch the lizard for a few days and he will come back for it

Proceeds to spend two days straight researching Leopard geckos and how to take care of them

Also blows a good portion of his paycheck on supplies for the gecko, a larger tank, lights, and heating pads, etc. 

Picks him up and takes him home as soon as the terrarium is set up

Names him something dumb like “Geck” or a combo of his and Tighnari’s names like “Tighno” 

Most people don’t know besides Tighnari and Collei that the gecko exists, and why would they? Who’s gonna believe that the General Mahamatra has a tiny lizard as a pet

When Alhaitham and Kaveh find out Cyno has a pet, Cyno immediately pulls out pictures from his wallet like a proud dad

Whenever he is away for a while, he has Collei house sit and take care of the lizard, pays her generously

Will just sit on top of Cyno’s head or shoulder and chill

Loves to chirp and make little noises for fun/comfort

(also a leopard gecko parent and my gecko is a rescue with all these attributes from being mishandled)

[molkolsdal]

Carpet with Palm Trees, Ibexes, and Birds

Probably made in present-day Pakistan, Lahore, late 16th–early 17th century

Cotton (warp and weft), wool (pile); asymmetrically knotted pile

This carpet, with its pictorial depiction of trees, birds, and animals, is conceived like a textile with a repeat design in which each unit reverses the direction of the preceding one. The ibexes, Chinese mythological beasts called qilins, and animals in combat, are derived from Safavid Persian art, as is the border design of cartouches and star-shaped medallions with cloud bands. The palm tree, however, is a very Indian feature, as is the generally naturalistic drawing of the flora and fauna and the bright red color of the field. The relationship to Persian carpet design dates this example to the early Mughal period, soon after the first carpet workshops were established by the emperor Akbar in Lahore, Agra, and Fatehpur Sikri.

Although the advent of carpet weaving in India predates his reign, it was the Mughal emperor Akbar (r. 1556–1605) who established imperial workshops for carpets, as well as a pattern of royal patronage. Carpet workshops were set up first at Fatehpur Sikri, the imperial capital only from 1571 to 1585, then at Lahore and Agra, and then, before 1640, at Kashmir.[1] Not all Indian carpets surviving from these early times necessarily suggest imperial manufacture, so commercial workshops must also have been in full production. Masters and workmen, many undoubtedly Iranian, are known to have come to India to help establish the workshops, and Persian carpets also clearly continued to be imported despite the high quality of local production.[2]

It should not be surprising, then, that this large carpet, representing production dating from late in the reign of Akbar, displays strong Persian influence. The most popular Persian convention was the symmetrical arrangement of scrolling vines with blossoms and leaves, but another approach was the use of pictorial patterns similar to those produced for paintings in royal manuscripts (the two conventions are combined in some examples). The field pattern here combines animals, birds, and vegetation in a pictorial way, that is, they are meant to be seen from one direction and without the matrix of a vine-scroll pattern to connect everything. Pictorial designs can be found in Persian carpets in a few examples of the small "Kashan" rugs and even more in a couple of pieces of the "Sanguszko" group; direct contact of some sort is also implied by the use of certain colors. Counterparts of several animals represented here may be seen in one of the Museum’s Persian rugs (no. 14.40.721), notably the leaping ibex, the combat between lion and ibex, and the leaping lion. Flames at the shoulders, indicating supernatural qualities, betray the ultimate Chinese origin of some of these figures, as transmitted to Iran in preceding centuries.

In many respects, however, this carpet is unmistakably Indian. In terms of structure, the cotton warps are eight-ply instead of the four-ply typically found in Persian carpets. As for color, the palette has a brightness, especially in the red, lacking in most Persian pieces, and there is a heavy use of ton-sur-ton coloring, juxtaposing similar colors such as red and pink, light and dark blue, and ocher and beige or off-white. The interlocking compartment design of the main border is related to borders found in Persian carpets (see MMA no. 1978.550), but here it takes a particularly Indian form in its geometricized compartments and the particular silhouette effect of the un-outlined red palmettes and vines set against the white ground. And the palm trees strike an Indian chord. As large as this carpet is, far larger ones are known to have come from Indian looms, including a pair of mid-seventeenth-century audience carpets, each about sixty-three feet long (approximately 19 meters).[3]

Daniel Walker in [Ekhtiar, Soucek, Canby, and Haidar 2011]

Footnotes:

1. Walker, Daniel. Flowers Underfoot: Indian Carpets of the Mughal Era. Exhibition catalogue, Metropolitan Museum, New York, 1997, pp. 7, 12.

2. Abu’l Fazl ‘Allami. The A’in-i Akbari by Abu’l Fazl ‘Allami. Translated by H[enry F.] Blochmann and H[enry] S. Jarrett; edited by D[ouglas] C[raven] Phillott. 3rd ed. 3 vols. 1927–49. Calcutta, 1977, vol. 1, p. 57.

3. Walker 1997 (see note 1), p. 120, fig. 118.

[wordsmithic]

It's always so funny to me that people on booktok will romanticize male characters with dark skin but it's always described in "olive skin" "tanned" similar to middle east, yet they refuse to make a book about these countries 😂

"He was tall, with big muscles, his skin the colour of olive with strong jawline" like stoooop its like Acotar all over again.

It's always the same also because i saw your Raphael and it's exactly what many should have done but noooo they always make it about fantasy while "coincidentally" enough they resemble middle east man.

Did you know, anon, that "tall, dark and handsome" started as a code for "Greek", "Italian", "Latino", "Native American" etc? Those male characters were not ethnically "Greek", "Italian", "Latino", "Native American" etc, tho! The reason is, WASP women found the "rugged/dangerous/exotic" man exciting, but at the time those minorities were not seen favorably in Northern nations. Hence, their stories only kept the look minus the ethnicity, plus, the stereotype that those men lacked gentleness and basic courtesy, and they were more daring than their boring WASP husbands.

It's a very tricky situation with Northern Europeans and Americans, because for them, "dark" for a caucasian person either means "a person with a light tan" (because they have a weird fixation on tans sometimes, as they cannot achieve them that easily) or "incredibly dark" (because they cannot fathom other darker shades in between).

Oh, and they always forget that "olive" is a complexion found in almost every country on earth! It's just how much green your skin undertone is! The palest Dutch person can have an olive skin tone! Not every Northerner is super red or deadly pale! And people with olive skin do not necessarily tan! "Olive" is not synonymous with melanin or tanning! It's so weird that they've reduced "olive" to a specific color, or a small range of colors.

It's mind-boggling to me that the concept of a tan causes them such confusion! 😂 Mainly because this confusion can be solved very easily with a simple Google search nowadays! I realize I am also generalizing Northerners for brevity's sake, but please know I am not referring to individuals, only trends in their societies that I observe.

And, now to the elephant in the room. They'd rather change how (for example) the Greek population looks to meet the quota for what they consider "satisfactory diversity" of appearance, rather than use people from an ethnic group where those tones are more easily found! That's so hypocritical! And racist, duh!!

I think they know another reason why they do it. They consider cultures like Greek and Italian to be synonymous with their cultures, hence they can use them as they please and treat our people as placeholders. These cultures do not see them as foreign to them, after centuries of misappropriating them and presenting them like their own heritage. Meanwhile, they suddenly think "Omg I cannot write an Iranian/Iraqi, Egyptian character because that's not my culture!" Bitch, Greek is not your culture either! 😂 Your people will probably call the police when they see a Greek get-together!! 😂 So just accept it's a foreign culture and people, do your research, and you'll be fine!

Side note: Raphael is an original Persian Iranian character of mine. He's on the light-skinned side because he has the look of the Persian groups that came from the Caspian steppe, before the Persian Empire was established. His skin tone may vary depending on the season and the lighting. (He's a shapeshifter, hence the various ages)

Raphael by 1. @wolfssketches and 2. @shellsnroses (where he is with my Greek character, Ismene, who actually has OLIVE skin and looks dead at all times xD) The only "olive" on Raphael is his olive green eyes lol (because he's a dramatic bitch and he wants to be special in more than one ways)

Meanwhile, his bodyguard, Firuz, is a Persianized Elamite with darker skin, as he comes from the far Southern populations of what is now Iran. I think he fits the "He was tall, with big muscles, his skin the colour of olive with strong jawline" booktok fantasy 😂

Firuz by 1. @wolfssketches and 2. chadwickvo (The headwrap is based on depictions of Persian warriors in ancient Macedonian frescoes, I promise it's not because of a vague "Middle Eastern Aesthetic" xD) His eyes are filled with white light because, like Raphael, he is not a Human but he is a shapeshifter. (Almost no one is a Human in my book, including my Greek characters)

Thank you if you made it this far!! 💜

[lesmisscraper]

The House of Rue Plumet, The House with a Secret

Analyis Part 3.

Continued from Part 2. Goinging up on the first floor!

1. 1st Floor

1st floor consisted of two chambers and a boudoir, which were for sleeping. Same as the parts before, its references are from <Il cuore di Cosette>.

2. Cosette's Rooms

Cosette and the servant occupied the pavilion; she had the big sleeping-room with the painted pier-glasses, the boudoir with the gilded fillets, the justice's drawing-room furnished with tapestries and vast arm-chairs; she had the garden. Jean Valjean had a canopied bed of antique damask in three colors and a beautiful Persian rug purchased in the Rue du Figuier-Saint-Paul at Mother Gaucher's, put into Cosette's chamber, and, in order to redeem the severity of these magnificent old things, he had amalgamated with this bric-a-brac all the gay and graceful little pieces of furniture suitable to young girls, an etagere, a bookcase filled with gilt-edged books, an inkstand, a blotting-book, paper, a work-table incrusted with mother of pearl, a silver-gilt dressing-case, a toilet service in Japanese porcelain.

Well. It's the room that had the most descriptions in the Rue Plumet of course, how Cosette was pampered by Valjean. And, we'll discuss what she had in her rooms. First, her bedroom had painted pier-glasses, which means just a mirror like the below.

Next, she had a canopy bed with damask and a Persian rug. The canopy's shape differed even in the same period but ICDC chosed the left one and 2012 film chose the left one.(Both are from the same period(Late 18 to 19th century.) style but with different designs.)

Following is what furniture she had in her room. Etagere(set of shelves), bookcase, lots of books and papers, inkstand, blotting book(became important in later chapter), work table, dressing case and toilet. I brought all of the examples from 19th century.

And in the boudoir, it had gilded fillets but I don't get what does this mean. Does this mean the wall structure's fillets or the others?

In addition, it seems like the staffs merged the drawing room and bedroon in ICDC, since the armchair was seen in bedroom scenes. and we can see the Paris Green wall on the mirror in the piano-organ scenes. The 19th century's tapestry and armchair, which probably Cosette used.

But I don't get the what's actual piano-organs are. Searched through the internet, and even with the original French word, but the results are always about half the piano and half the organ.(Please help me!)

Plus, I'll add Cosette's bedroom in 2012 film. Though it was only with a few minutes,her but it was beautiful to look and got to see her writing tools and the blotting book.

3. Toussaint's Room

Did not have that much information in the Brick nor other adaptations. Probably this is the other chamber mentioned on earlier. Then, it could be that the servant used the almost same room as the master in this way? If this is true, Valjean and Cosette were indeed a good employeer.

The attic and the house of Valjean would be on the last part.

[gemsofgreece]

Hello, could you tell us about Kalymnos and the history of weaving in Greece?

Hi! They are both broad topics, however I will do my best to summarize the most important and interesting information about them.

KALYMNOS

Kálymnos is an island which belongs in the Dodecanese, the southeasternmost islands of Greece. It is 26th in the list of the 50 largest Greek islands. It is the third most populous island of the Dodecanese.

Kalymnos was first inhabited by Carians and Phoenicians. By 1100 BC the island was inhabited by Dorian Greeks. Kalymnos participated in the Trojan War and Homer mentions it with the name Kalydnae. In the late Archaic period, Kalymnos was a democracy. For a time, it was captured by the Persians. When liberated again, Kalymnos remained an ally of Athens, however it did not meddle much with the Peloponnesian war. Like all the other regions of Greece, it fell under Roman rule and was a part of the Byzantine Empire in the middle ages. In the 13th and 14th centuries it came under the control of Venice and the Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem (Ιωαννίτες Ιππότες - Ioannites Ippotes in Greek) AKA the crusaders, just like most of the Dodecanese islands. The knights expanded and reinforced the original Byzantine fortress of the island which was there since the 10th century.

The ruins of the castle above the main town (Chora) of the island.

The Ottoman Turks attacked the island for about 80 years until they conquered it in 1522. Kalymnos was relatively privileged in the Ottoman Empire - islands were always more privileged compared to mainland Greek regions. In 1881, the Ottoman General Census found that the island had an overwhelming Greek majority (9,482 Greeks out of 9,716 overall population). In 1912, Italy conquered the island during the Italo-Turkish war and kept it until 1947, when, in the form of reparations after the Axis Occupation, Italy ceded the Dodecanese islands to Greece. The Dodecanese were the last region to get united with the Modern Greek state.

Kalymnos has a diverse, arid landscape. It is hilly and very rugged, while its coastline is very indented, forming numerous cliffs, caves and coves. This is why Kalymnos is an internationally popular rock climbing destination with more than 3,000 climbing routes. Kalymnos also has a small archipelagos of its own.

Kalymnos' economy is not based on agriculture, but rather tourism, traditional head scarf painting production and, most notably, sponge diving, which is the best known tradition of the island. Greece is the biggest exporter of natural sponges in the world, largely thanks to Kalymnian spongedivers and the island's seabed. Traditional sponge diving is extremely dangerous and potentially fatal and involves wearing a very heavy suit and holding your breath underwater for extended periods of time.

Artwork depicting the life of a Kalymnian spongediver © Francesco Zizola / NOOR

A folk song sang by Kalymnian sailors and divers has become popular around the world after French singer Dalida made a cover of it with romantic lyrics in 1970. The actual song however was sung by the ship's crew and it was meant to rouse a reaction from the spongediver so that if he struggled underwater, he would have the will to fight and manage to come to the water's surface. For example, the song makes references to the little joys of life, food, a comfortable sleep in a warm bed, sex, making a family, it mentions women (who could be real islanders the spongedivers were interested in), it mentions taking the City back (AKA Constantinople!), it mentions turning against the privileged lords of the island, it "threatens" the spongediver with unfairness ("you lads, I will give violets to you all, I will give two to each, but hey I am giving none to Yoryis (the spongediver)!"), it criticizes the spongediver's unresponsiveness (not pulling the rope) and implies his sister is with the crew, so anything that could potentially make a young man's blood flow and rouse a reaction from him and help him rise to the surface. I link the song below, performed by an actual crew from the island.

After the 60s a lot of Kalymnians emigrated to the USA and Australia, where they were usually employed in hard jobs, like constructing and painting bridges, used as they were in the demanding job of their island.

WEAVING IN GREECE

Weaving is a big, broad topic, especially because it was a well attested practice in Greece even in the Homeric Age. Therefore, and because the post is already long, I found some links that are very helpful and detailed and way more informative than whatever I would write here!

In this link here, there is a pdf about Byzantine weaving and textiles.

[milaisreading]

Me, whenever a kpop idol uses some rugs that have a Turkish or Persian origin in their videos: That's my grandma's rug!!

(Bosnia has a lot of Persian and Turkish influences on its culture due to the Ottoman empire being here for a long time)

[taintedpompom]

Mommy's Home

The womb rattled, milk oozing from its fabric as slowly, it started to rip. The Governess watched, gazing upon the inky blackness that lingered in between the ruined fabric as the egg breaks open. Rose stirs within, reaching out to the light... changed, improved, ready.

The Governess smiles, the creature that was Rose smiles. This will be a halloween to remember.

~~~

Roxy sniffed the hallway, trying to catch a whiff of... something. Truely, the top heavy super sleuth didn't know what she was supposed to find in the odor of the Manor that she was failing to see with her eyes... but well, sleuth had origin in tracking dogs, and she was trying to mantain character.

While Roxy had joined Sassacare's college to investigate her mother's disapperance... all leads have dried up around the iron cane of the beautif- dangerous Colonel Redglare. Every trail ended with her toned body and predatory smile, but it stopped dead there! There was no way to move past that inassaiable wall of self assuredness, even the thought of trying made her knees quiver. Quiver in fear! And thats it.

However, Halloween approached and while she had spare a single button of this Sherlock outfit, the hat had made her feel rather dapper, so she had decided to give another go. Shockingly, it actually worked, the first woman she interrogated didn't even look her in the eye when they cracked, her eyes just drifting downward. Anyway, in exchange for only 3 squeezes of her lap drowning rack, she was told that this manor was actually purchased from her Mother when she joined! That HAD to have clues.

And so far she found... nothing. But a very promising nothing! These walls were covered in masks and lace run round the ceiling. It was very spooky and sinister seeming. Plus everything smelled like... brandy?

Oh maybe there was a speakeasy here! That would mean a secret passage which would mean clues!

Suddenly, there was a click sound as a portrait fell over, revealing a dumbwaiter. In a hallway? How mysterious... Roxy bounced over, sticking her head inside to look at the containts of the compartment... only for the dumbwaiter to suddenly rocket down, and poor top heavy Roxy, who made the mistake of using the convinent shelf as a rest for her heaving tits, fell down with her.

Roxy plopped, suspeciously safely, upon a fine persian rug, the glittering red emblazoned with iron chains. The sleuth blinked, looking up, and up, till she found a door.

The door was heavy stone, carved from granite and marble and featuring a mural depicting something the lighting was too dim to make out... What did show through was the heavy iron bars that sealed the doorway shut, keeping anyone from getting in.

Or out, Roxy realized with a smile, staring up at the rapturous effigy of herself blazoned upon the door. After all, this WAS the cage. Their was a creak above, and Roxy looked up with hope at the glittering yellow jewels staring back.

"Mommy!" Roxy cheered arms aloft as she jumped up, her feat never reaching the floor as she was plucked in place by silken ropes that fell from the ceiling just to hoist her up, up to the glittering beaty that was her mothers gaze.

Glittering rose and jade bands alteranated as Roxy went up, up, up, along a long serpentine neck of jewelry that lined the throat of her mother, the floor vanishing into darkness as the Mother moved closer, the scent of brandy everywhere. A smile of sunlight graced her mothers lips, her mothers head starlight concealled under a hood and mask, so that when her lips parted golden light spilled away. And at the moment her grin usured in dawn with its wideness... revealing everything.

Everything. Roxy couldnt help but look down, upsidedown as she was, she could see the bulging bossom she mistook as the floor of the cage before, the rug merely a dress that covered the heaving bossoms and yet, hid nothing, just capping at the halfway point of two waterfalls of milk that quitely flowed around the living mountain. Her ass was infinite, a wide chasm that could bear a entire brood in a single push. Her Mother was more then massive, she was a ecosystem, entire lives and cultures devoted around the niches and needs of her desires. Roxy was no different.

Well that wasn't true. Roxy squirmed in her bindings. After all, she was here now when the rest of the cult just dreamed.

Cuffs shook as a finger was lifted, the offending digit as thick as Roxy's thigh, and it trailed along her body like it was inspected a toy.

Roxy could be that, for mother she could be anything.

She didn't say that outloud but the Mother heard it anyway, kissing Roxy in thanks upon her forehead. It was almost chaste in a way that nothing else about Mother Manacles was. Including the feeling. Roxy trembled, a feeling of shame washing over herself as she climaxed, right in front of her mother.

Watch. Mother Manacles ordered, with the same poignant and finality any god will have to a oracle, and Roxy was happy to obey, happy to feel her mothers silks wrap around her, slipping inside her silly costume. Happy to have the phony investigator outfit stripped away, to feel the shackles milk her like her mother. But mostly?

She was happy to be home.

[consumare]

i'm gonna take some time to talk about h.annibal's office today because that's what's on my mind.

this is his office in baltimore. i was thinking that maybe the building could hold several leases in it, like have different offices, but we know how h.annibal is with his money, so i have to assume he bought the whole thing. there's no way he planned to share anything, so the building is his to do with what he will. it was built in 1873, and it's neighbors with a fucking church. i could probably talk about how ironic that is, but that's for a different post. h.annibal liked this building because of the windows, how much light could be let into his office, and the architecture caught his eye. this was the third lease he'd look at, and this was the one he chose. it's a historical building that he took over and paid for out of pocket, most likely.

the interior is very interesting. there is an art nouveau style ( quoted as 'characterized by its use of a long, sinuous, organic line' ) and neoclassicism. there is a lot of danish furniture, which gives way to his european roots. the walls are a warm grey, but then there's an accent wall with a pop of red. i personally think this office was meant to make people comfortable, but have that little bit uncertainty. he wanted the space to feel welcoming, but overwhelming. there are hundreds of books on his shelves, some first additions even. the art, sculptures, books, they're all put there purposefully, since he has a meaning for everything in there ( quoted as 'a stunning library that has become a symbol of demonstrative, straightforward art and object collecting that reflect the course of a person's entire life' ). i think he decorated with a few intentions in mind, contradicting somewhat, wanting his patients to feel both ease and unease, so they couldn't really be comfortable there, even with how charming / open their therapist seemed to be. and they wouldn't really know why they couldn't get to that point, which is why hannibal did it - because it's amusing.

the rug is persian. the striped curtains are 13 feet high. i was trying to find what the photography framed on the walls might be, or what art he collects to put in his office, to no avail. will update if i find anything, though i did find this about the art in his waiting room -

quoted from this post - 'this painting in h.annibal's waiting room is part of a triptych called “suzumi no hotaru” (納涼の蛍 - “catching fireflies in the cool of the evening”). the triptych is part of a larger collection called “shiki no yuukan” (四季遊観 - “pleasures of the four seasons”) by utagawa kuniyoshi and it dates from around 1843.'

his desk is an original leif jacobsen design. he doesn't sit behind it when patients are in the office, he reserves conversations for the two grey leather chairs in front of it, to make therpy feel more open. his desk is always clean, always neat and tidy. he puts everything back where it belongs. found there are his therapy notes, several notebooks. in one of the drawers he keeps his sketches, pencils, and scalpel ( which he uses to sharpen his pencils ). the desk is reservd for after appointment work only, basically.

and finally the floorplan. there is a waiting room, and then there is also a foyer, which doubles as a private exit for his clients. outside the waiting room is where the receptionist would be if he hadn't eaten her.

edit: i found some of the art, cause i'm a boss.

the fall of the rebel angels from book i of paradise lost by john milton c. 1868.

summer: buckwheat harvest by jean-françois millet. c 1874.

i can't find anything concrete for this one. this piece could be another by utagawa kuniyoshi or perhaps utagawa kunisada, or it could be by anyone who used the triptych style, so i can't say for sure nor can i find this specific print anywhere.

[floors-and-fabrics]

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Natural dyes are selected to ensure vibrant and long-lasting colors.

By using high-quality materials, the rug not only becomes more durable but also acquires a natural charm that improves with age.

3. Dyeing the Yarn

Once the materials are ready, the yarn undergoes a dyeing process to bring the chosen colors to life. Traditional handmade rugs often use natural dyes derived from plants, minerals, and insects. These dyes produce rich, long-lasting colors that age beautifully over time, giving the rug a unique patina.

Artisans boil the yarn with natural dye ingredients to achieve the desired shade.

Each batch of yarn is carefully monitored to maintain consistency in color.

After dyeing, the yarn is dried in the sun, which enhances its natural luster.

This process ensures that the colors are not only vibrant but also resistant to fading, even after years of use.

4. Weaving the Rug

The weaving process is the heart of handmade rug making. Skilled artisans, often working in family traditions passed down through generations, hand-weave or hand-knot the rug using a loom. Depending on the complexity and size of the design, this step can take anywhere from weeks to several months to complete.

Hand-knotting: Each knot is tied individually, creating a dense and durable rug. A high-knot density means better quality and intricate detail.

Hand-weaving: This technique involves interlacing the yarn with the warp and weft threads, producing flat-woven rugs like kilims.

The artisans follow the pattern row by row, ensuring precision and consistency.

The dedication and patience of the weavers are what give handmade rugs their exceptional quality and durability.

5. Trimming and Washing

Once the weaving is complete, the rug undergoes finishing processes to refine its look and feel. The rug is trimmed to even out the pile height and enhance the pattern’s clarity. Any stray threads are carefully removed to ensure a clean, polished surface.

The rug is washed thoroughly to remove any residual dust or impurities.

Washing also softens the fibers and enhances the rug’s colors.

The rug is left to dry naturally under the sun, which helps preserve its fibers and colors.

This process ensures the rug achieves a consistent texture, vibrant appearance, and long-lasting quality.

6. Stretching and Shaping

After washing, the rug is stretched to restore its original shape and alignment. This step is crucial for ensuring that the rug lays flat on the floor without any uneven edges or warping. Artisans carefully inspect the rug and make adjustments to guarantee a perfect finish.

The stretching process helps the rug maintain its proportions.

Any minor imperfections are corrected, ensuring a flawless final product.

7. Final Inspection and Quality Control

Before the rug reaches the customer, it undergoes a rigorous quality control process. Every inch of the rug is inspected for defects, inconsistencies, or irregularities. The craftsmanship, durability, and finish are thoroughly evaluated to ensure the rug meets the highest standards of quality.

Each knot, weave, and color is checked for precision and consistency.

The rug is tested for durability to ensure it can withstand regular use.

The final product is rolled, packed, and prepared for delivery.

8. Delivering Timeless Elegance

Once the rug has passed all stages of production and inspection, it is ready to find its place in your home. A handmade rug is not just a decorative piece; it is an investment in quality, artistry, and heritage. With proper care, these rugs can last for generations, becoming cherished family heirlooms.

Handmade rugs improve with age, acquiring a patina that adds character.

Each rug tells a story of tradition, culture, and craftsmanship.

Their durability and timeless beauty make them a worthwhile addition to any space.

The Beauty of Handmade Rugs

The process behind handmade rugs reflects a harmonious blend of artistry, skill, and tradition. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, each handmade rug is unique, carrying with it the dedication of the artisans who created it. At Floors and Fabrics, we are proud to preserve this art form and share its beauty with the world.

[fdelopera]

You mentioned how in this post https://fdelopera.tumblr.com/post/81239749461/i-saw-this-blog-in-which-it-expressed-that that there was a time Gaston Leroux wrote in promotion for the POTO film that the opera ghost may have been real, and then linked an english translation right? The link's dead :( is there anywhere else I can read it?

Hi there! I checked, and I don't have the link or the article, unfortunately.

It appears to have been a link to a post on the old ThePhantomOfTheOpera.com forum (how phans communicated before Tumblr ... or LiveJournal).

This site used to be privately owned, but it was unfortunately yet another casualty of the Really Useful Useless Group coming in and destroying phan culture (fuck ALW and Cammack for real). Now it's owned by the RUG.

I know that Leroux gave some very tongue in cheek interviews after Le Fantôme de l'Opéra was published as a novel, swearing that everything he wrote was true (wink, wink), and this was likely one of those interviews.

As was written in the post you cited above, Leroux used a technique called faction (a combination of fact + fiction) to give his writing a realistic tone, but this was originally a literary device that he used to emulate works like Dracula. He was not intending to claim any veracity about his story. Le Fantôme de l'Opéra was published in 1909 - 1910 in the feuilleton section of Le Gaulois newspaper, which is where serialized novels were published. Leroux's original readership would have known that this was fully a work of fiction. However, once Le Fantôme was published as a novel, readers began to question whether Leroux's assertion that "Le fantôme de l'Opéra a existé" might be true.

Leroux's novel did contain true elements. For instance, there really was a Persian expat (Mohammed Ismaël Khan, who went by Ismaël), who was famous in Paris for frequenting the Opera House, and who lived at Rue de Rivoli #204, just as Leroux wrote. But Leroux never met Ismaël (to our knowledge), and Ismaël never frequented the Palais Garnier because he died seven years before it was constructed. His opera house was the old Salle Le Peletier.

In my research, which I believe you have seen, I found Ismaël's portrait in Les célébrités de la rue, which you can read here, and I also found mention of him in Revue encyclopédique.

In my research, I have found that Leroux was very eclectic as a reader and an author. He likely read some accounts about this Persian gentleman and decided to include him as a character in his novel to give the story a grounding in reality, even though both he and his original readership knew that this was a work of fiction. Still, Leroux was a showman, and he was not above telling an interviewer that "the Opera Ghost really existed" to increase the air of mystery and suspense around the upcoming 1925 Lon Chaney film.

[spaceflower07]

Name: Feliciano Vargas

Specialty: N/A

Place of Origin: Altomare, Johto

Team: Popplio, Togekiss, Persian, Smeargle, Latias, Evee

Not for battle: Psyduck, Slurpuff, Azumarill

Pokemon he hates/fears: he's easily scared of big and rugged Pokemon, such as Yao's Gyrados and Ludwig's Tyranitar, and especially Gilbert's Gengar, who loves to tease Feliciano.

Feliciano, son of the esteemed former Pokemon Champion Romulus Vargas, feels the weight of high expectations due to his father's legacy. To live up to his family's reputation, Feliciano pursued the path of a trainer. He excelled in defensive strategies, a tactic often deemed disadvantageous, his nimble Pokemon's evasion skills prevented them from taking hits, propelling him swiftly up the ranks. However, despite his achievements, Feliciano lacks confidence in his abilities, convinced that his success in the Final Test was a stroke of luck. Immediately after the test, he befriended Ludwig and Kiku, then never left their side. After the test, he quickly befriended Ludwig and Kiku, sticking by their side ever since. They take charge of battles for him as he only engages if absolutely necessary. He is a skilled trainer, but his hesitation to battle hinders him. His confidence lies more in his performance skills than in regular battling. Encouraged by Francis, he regularly indulged in Pokemon showcases even while he was a trainer. Now an adult, he thrives as a showcase performer under Francis, relieved of the pressure to uphold his family legacy.

[deepgrotto]

A katniss plant inspired by Persian rug designs. This is part of the big project that the other pieces are in. Those are more direct copies of designs in rugs, but this is my first original. As Mr. Everdeen said, "As long as you can find yourself, you will never starve."