Antique Turkish Oushak Rug with Crab Design BB4185 14'4" × 19'2" $70,000

An exceptionally rare and distinguished example of early 19th-century Anatolian craftsmanship, this Antique Oushak Rug, woven around 1820, showcases the enduring artistry and distinctive style of Turkey’s famed rug-making tradition. Featuring the iconic “crab” design, the rug’s field is adorned with a dynamic lattice of stylized medallions, each brimming with floral and geometric abstractions that evoke both natural beauty and structural order.

The color palette is strikingly bold yet organically harmonious. Rust red dominates the field, balanced by intricate motifs in sky blue, deep indigo, apricot orange, and warm sand tones. These naturally derived dyes have aged gracefully, producing a soft, nuanced patina that enhances the visual depth and authenticity of the piece.

The central lattice is delineated by wide bands of blue, forming a structured framework that elevates the rhythm of the repeating medallions. Surrounding this vibrant field is a complex system of multi-layered borders, intricately decorated with floral rosettes, stylized palmettes, and serpentine vines—each detail demonstrating the weaver’s precision and creative fluency.

Crafted with hand-spun wool and a coarse knot structure, typical of early Oushak rugs, this piece embodies both textural richness and subtle irregularity—hallmarks of genuine, pre-industrial rug artistry. Its ample size and visual energy make it ideal as a statement piece in formal settings, salons, or curated interiors seeking historic depth and artisanal soul.

This exquisite antique rug, sourced from Doris Leslie Blau, showcases a rare blend of history and craftsmanship. Doris Leslie Blau offers a broad and varied pricing spectrum, accommodating collectors and designers across a range of budgets—from modest vintage finds to rare, museum-worthy masterpieces.