Oushak

Ushak and its environs in western Turkey have a history of weaving stretching back at least to the 16th century. This piece with its soft color and wool reflects the distinct aesthetic of late 19th century Ushak pieces. The cream field is open and drawing large-scale and spacious. The center medallion, however, represents a much earlier strata of classical Ottoman weaving harking back to the 16th century. The eight-lobed star, while slightly abbreviated, is still quite faithful to the so-called ‘Star Ushak’ types which were adapted by Ottoman weavers from earlier 15th century Timurid design from Persia and Central Asia.