Antique Ushak Carpet

Period: Late 19th Century
Origin: Ushak, Western Anatolia,
Dimensions: 323 x 440 cm

This rare late 19th century Turkish Ushak (Oushak) carpet highlights a powerful and rhythmic floral composition featuring a monumental, multi lobed central medallion in soft ivory and golden apricot anchored within a large scale, open teal grey field. This structural balance between the expansive, airy ground and the oversized, slightly angular botanical motifs reflects the pinnacle of the Ushak workshop tradition in Western Anatolia. Carpets of this era are world renowned for their “star” and “medallion” configurations, which were highly sought after by European and American aristocrats for their decorative elegance and sophisticated color palettes.

The color palette is masterfully balanced, featuring a primary teal grey field that serves as a dramatic canvas for high contrast shifts of coral pink, saffron yellow, and soft ivory. These rich and enduring tones, achieved through the expert application of natural dyes over 130 years ago, exhibit a chromatic strength and a saturated depth that are hallmarks of the finest late 19th century Anatolian urban productions. The inclusion of a wide, coral ground primary border decorated with a rhythmic sequence of reciprocating “Smyth” palmettes and stylized geometric rosettes creates a precise visual frame that highlights the superior wool quality and the distinctive technical finesse of the weavers.

Structural analysis indicates the use of premium hand spun local wool with a characteristically thick, lustrous pile and a supple, relaxed handle. The exceptional clarity of the decorative outlines specifically the internal floral sprays within the corner spandrels and the precisely executed guard borders definitively distinguishes this antique masterpiece as an authentic late 19th century Ushak. Ultimately, this carpet stands as a premier example of Turkish textile art, representing a peak in both technical endurance and graphic majesty for global collectors.

Stock No : 2967

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