The use of fine wool and craftsmanship is a combination that has caused many of the earliest Oushak rugs to last centuries. Made by hand with the finest wool, Oushak rugs had never before been large enough to suit European styles.Oushak, or Ushak, carpets originated during the early Ottoman Empire in the region around and including the Turkish city of Usak. The European market once again favored the craftsmanship and colors of Oushak rugs in the late 19th century. Many antique Oushak rugs are labeled as “Lotto” or “Holbein” rugs because they, or carpets very similar in design, are featured in these painters’ works. Both Lotto and Holbein regularly painted the rugs into their works in intricate detail.
Antique Oushak rugs are renowned for their lasting beauty. As the previous two centuries had seen the market favor Persian rugs, Oushak craftsman added Persian rug characteristics to the Oushak designs. Up until the late 17th century, these carpets were vastly popular in Europe. Traditional Oushak designs are generally vibrantly colored in shades of golds, blues, terracottas, cinnamons, saffron yellows, greens, greys, and ivory whites. Before the late 19th century, Oushak rugs featured star and medallion designs and intricate borders. Now, stars and medallions were being mixed with floral patterns. It was this design style that captured the attention of painters Lorenzo Lotto and Hans Holbein the Younger.
Though more commercial weaving techniques are often now used, they are still woven from the same fine wool that antique Oushak rugs are woven from. Like many types of antique wool rugs, Oushaks are still sought for their beauty and hardiness. With the rejuvenation of the Oushak industry, the rugs became available in room sizes. The other obvious alteration in Oushak rug design in the 19th century was size. Oushak carpets of modern making are just as well built and still feature stars and medallions with a touch of Persian florals. Even with a floral design, your Oushak rug may still be an antique. Today, antique Oushak rugs are once again popular, both for aesthetic and craftsmanship reasons.
Oushak rugs are still made today in Usak, Turkey and the surrounding region by craftsmen who have passed the designs and hand weaving techniques down through generations. The wool’s luminescent qualities Semi-worsted stock Factory help make the colors brighter and bolder, which is why many antique Oushak rug colors are still vibrant today. They are heavy woolen rugs that are crafted using Ghiordes knots. As much as the designs and textures, it is the soft, luxurious wool that these vibrant rugs are sought for. About Author Grubb Young :. To meet the demand, Oushak rug makers began manufacturing rugs on a larger scale.
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