Large Vintage Turkish Oushak Handmade Wool Carpet BB7169 14'10" × 17'3" $95,000

An early 20th century Turkish Oushak antique rug, the sea blue field with an allover pattern of enlarged stylized palmettes and millefleur within a camel floral spray border.

Oushak rugs belong to one of the most significant categories of floor coverings. Turkish rugs in general, and Oushak rugs in particular, are woven with the application of the symmetrical knot, also known as the Ghiordes knot, used mainly in Asia Minor, the Caucasus, Iran (formerly Persia), and Europe. The majority of antique Turkish Oushak rugs is characterized by relatively loose knots giving them a supple body, and a fairly long, luminous pile which can be attributed to silky, high-quality wool they work with. The most popular designs of oriental rugs i.e. ‘star’ and ‘medallion’ originated in Uşak.

In terms of coloration, the dyes tend towards cinnamons, terracotta tints, gold, blues, greens, ivory, saffron and grays. The monumental scale, relaxed structure and playful palette of Turkish antique Oushak rugs ensure that they remain a favorite within the pantheon of decorative antique oriental rugs.