These extremely rare design concepts on this Ziegler & Company Usak Rug continued through the 17th and 18th centuries evolving in drawing and weave. The Turkish community revered carpet weaving as one of the highest forms of art. The court weavers of that time had tremendous resources at their disposal. What came forth were designs of the utmost beauty and magnificence that would reflect the power and refinement of the Ottoman Empire.
Turkish design traditions held that all designs were endless in the eyes of God, It was believed an artist’s work was capturing only a small portion of the complicated designs. The vast beauty of these carpets was appreciated by the rulers of the East and even more so by the noble and aristocratic classes of Europe. Beginning in the early 16th century, Oushak Medallion carpets were featured in European portraits to signify the wealth, stature and taste.
