Since the sixteenth century, antique oriental carpets and rugs from Oushak have been represented among the carefully chosen and highly esteemed objects d'art in the studied interiors and still life paintings of important European personages, as depicted by such artists as Holbein, Lotto, Velasquez, Memling and Vermeer. Until the eighteenth century, the vogue for Ottoman carpets was unabated; designs such as 'medallion' and 'star' Oushaks in royal tones of brick red, terracotta, deep blue and gold continued to grace European interiors. Over time, designs of antique Ushak carpets and antique Oushak rugs evolved, managing to retain the distinctive character of sixteenth century prototypes; continuing to reference large scale ovoid or star shaped medallions enclosing split-leaf rumi and floral vinery displayed on fields of delicate floral tracery. Characteristics of antique Oushak rugs are: relatively loose knots giving a supple hand; a fairly long pile; colors that have oxidized into a riotous sorbet of summer fruit such as melon, tangerine, passion fruit, mango, orange, lemon and lime green. The monumental scale, relaxed structure and playful palette of antique Oushak rugs ensure that they remain a favorite within the pantheon of decorative antique oriental rugs.