Stunning Oversized Decorative Antique Turkish Oushak Carpet, Country of Origin / Rug Type: Turkey, Circa Date: 1900 – Most of the decorative antique Turkish Oushak carpets, and this one is no exception, are distinguished by a warm yet soft color palette ranging from ivory to golden to saffron to cinnamon. These spectacular antique Turkish area rugs are usually characterized by a more tribal approach to floral or geometric patterns, often quite detailed. This antique oversized area rug features an array of pleasing persimmon tints, from the solid burnt orange outer border to a variety of lighter ground dyes. The overall feeling is warm, welcoming, and peaceful.
Oushak style antique rugs were originally woven by nomads who later concentrated their handcraft in the region south of Constantinople, whose name changed to Istanbul around the same time in the 15th century. Archaeologists found that old mosques in the area were thickly carpeted, often six or seven carpets deep, usually with textiles and embroideries from the Oushak region.
The artisans prided themselves on their excellent craftsmanship, generally using cotton for the foundation and wool for the pile, sometimes incorporating threads of silk and even metal. They used natural dyes for the yarn, prizing a naturally dappled abrash to the weave, and they worked meticulously to produce extremely dense textiles with a high number of hand-tied knots per square inch.
To look at the history of Turkish carpet weaving, one must understand that the Anatolian peninsula was home to several tribes of ancient peoples including Armenians, Kurds, and Yuruks who had lived for generations in sparsely populated mountainous regions. Such tribal isolation generated distinctive regional traditions. In the late 19th century, some traditions began to introduce asymmetrical designs and more vivid colors using imported dyes made from insects and different plants.
This type of carpet captures a long moment in history. The name “Oushak” has been synonymous with proud craftsmanship for centuries, woven to endure. It will provide a subtly luminous glow wherever it lies. Seasoned collectors are sure to recognize that such a carpet adds a soft elegance to any kind of setting.