Antique Oushak Turkish Rugs 44343

Oushak Rug, Turkey, Late 19th Century - A lavish design of palmettes and medallions hovers gracefully across the field of this incomparably lovely antique Oushak. Along the center are small quatrefoil medallions framed by V-shaped branches, with flame palmettes arranged in vertical candelabra-like columns to either side. Despite the richness of the detail, the composition is nonetheless open and spacious, allowing the beauty of the warm terracotta ground to take precedence. A rather Persianate 'turtle' vinescroll border frames the field with minor vinescroll borders to either side. Some Oushaks are remarkably soft in color, while others are stridently vibrant. But here we see a palette with perhaps the perfect balance of delicacy and saturation.