Antique Ushak Carpet

Period: Late 19th Century
Origin: Ushak, Western Anatolia, Turkey
Dimensions: 430 × 500 cm

This impressive late 19th century Ushak carpet is distinguished by its monumental scale, sophisticated medallion composition, and finely balanced combination of floral and geometric ornament. The design follows the classical Ushak tradition while presenting the motifs in a more structured and decorative late 19th-century interpretation.

The field is organized around a prominent central polygonal medallion in deep indigo, surrounded by an arrangement of large, lobed and diamond-shaped medallions. These secondary medallions extend toward the upper, lower, and lateral sections of the field, creating a sense of an infinite-repeat composition rather than a strictly enclosed central design. This characteristic is closely associated with the great Ushak tradition.

The medallions are richly decorated with stylized floral elements, palmettes, rosettes, arabesque forms, angular leaves, and finely articulated scrolling motifs. Small floral and vegetal ornaments fill the spaces between the major forms, creating a dense yet carefully organized surface. The stepped and serrated contours around the medallions add a distinctive geometric character to the composition.

The surrounding borders are exceptionally elaborate, consisting of several narrow guard bands and a broad principal border decorated with stylized flowers, scrolling vines, leaves, and geometric elements. The multiple borders create a strong architectural frame around the expansive central field.

The palette is particularly elegant, combining coral and dusty rose red, deep indigo blue, ivory, muted green, soft yellow, and touches of warm brown. The softly aged colours give the carpet a refined antique character and enhance the contrast between the floral ornament and geometric framework.

Overall, this large-format Ushak carpet is a remarkable example of late 19th-century Western Anatolian weaving, combining the monumental character of classical Ushak medallion designs with a richly detailed and highly decorative surface.

Stock No: 2962