Antique Turkish Oushak Beige Handwoven Wool Rug BB6161 12'0" × 12'8" $48,000

This circa-1920 antique Turkish rug features an all-over design of floral and geometric abstractions, as well as stylized animal shapes, in shades of beige and green against a lighter beige field. A geometric main border surrounds the antique carpet. Oushak rugs are renowned for their silky, luminous wool and a weaving pattern that employs traditional tribal techniques, namely the use of larger knots and an all-wool foundation. As these works are often considered some of the finest antique oriental rugs, many of the masterpieces of the 15th and 16th centuries have been attributed to the Oushak tradition. The late 19th century saw the rejuvenation of Oriental rugs production, and at this time Oushak resurfaced as a preeminent center of the weaving industry. During this Renaissance, floral patterns in the Persian tradition were incorporated into design and decorative carpets were woven as European standards demanded.