Oushak Rugs

Started in a small town in western Turkey, Oushak (or Ushak) rugs were influenced by Persian designs. In the 15th century, the small town of Oushak became one of the largest production center for Turkish rugs, before that Oushak rugs were made by nomads for their own necessities. The reason for this was due to the abundant access of high-quality wool and materials. No other Turkish Rugs have been manufactured for such a long period of time than Oushak rugs. After the design revolution in the late 15th Century, area rugs began to be produced in Oushak for commercial purposes due to the easy access of superb wool and natural dyes. Unlike many rugs, what made the classic Oushak popular was because of the craftsmanship as well as the aesthetic emphasis that was placed in each design. The designs are largely geometric and floral with a central medallion where smaller medallions are arranged around the entire template of the rug. They tend to display a calm, tame look. Present day Oushak carpet producers a create some of the most wonderful contemporary rugs that capture the feel and aesthetic of their original counterparts. Unlike most Turkish rugs, Oushak carpets had been greatly influenced by Persian designs.

Oushak rugs are highly prized for their exceptional texture, elegant look, and monumental scale of design. Oushak requires experienced and sturdy hands. When it comes to materials and texture, Oushak craftsmanship is considered to be one of the finest, as they not only consider the quality but also the carpet’s aesthetic appeal. The most important thing to consider is the density as well as the knot size. It is crucial to know how the knots are tied because if it is loosely woven, then it may feel flimsy in one’s hand and will not wear as well as a sturdier rug. Antique Oushak carpets tend to be coarsely woven on a wool foundation with a wool pile, so the luxurious feel of it helps to be out the colors luminosity, further enhancing the vintage Oushak rug’s beauty. The prayer rugs, however, feature some sacred colors such as green. All of these rich colors are made with natural vegetable dyes. The latest commercial, woven ones feature a soft red undertone as its primary color. It showcases some large-scale floral motifs in a bright blue field. The silky, luminous wool is what makes a true Oushak rug. The designs of Oushak rugs and carpets are typically based on geometric motives with central medallion drawings, smaller all-over medallions or scattered sprays of vine scroll and palmettes. This is due largely to the fact that since most Turks are Muslims, they observe the prohibition against the depiction of people and animals. They are also famed for the grand, monumental scale of designs. Moreover, what makes it stand out from the others is its history. The weaving artistry has been passed down through generations, from mother to daughter, father to son. Though one can still trace the weaving patterns geographically, there are some places where weavers have been trained knot that are not common in the area. The artistry is very rich, and though there have been new modifications, the original weaving cannot be easily replaced. Today, Oushak rugs are highly desirable and decorative for elegant room settings. These rugs were not used on the floor; rather, they were used as wall hangings and table coverings in the homes of the rich and powerful.