The Ushak Carpet
Carpet
ca. 1500 (made)
ca. 1500 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The repeating pattern on this carpet was used in other Ottoman textiles. It evolved from the carpet designs with a central medallion that originated in Iran. These were adopted by Turkish weavers during the late 15th century.
This carpet was made in Usak, in western Turkey, a major centre of carpet production. Weavers there began to use new designs based on medallions of different types during the reign of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror (1451–1481). Mehmet himself probably commissioned these designs. They were then used in commercial production for several centuries afterwards.
This carpet was made in Usak, in western Turkey, a major centre of carpet production. Weavers there began to use new designs based on medallions of different types during the reign of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror (1451–1481). Mehmet himself probably commissioned these designs. They were then used in commercial production for several centuries afterwards.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | The Ushak Carpet (popular title) |
| Materials and techniques | Wool warps Z2S, wool wefts and pile |
| Brief description | Carpet with a medallion design, Turkey (probably Usak), ca. 1500. |
| Physical description | A large rectangular carpet of symmetrical design. Overall the design appears to be a large scale ogival pattern of medallions and rosettes in off-set rows. A central medallion of floral and vegetal motifs becomes the dominant design element here, surrounded by four large rosettes in half-view. The central design elements are flanked by a border of smaller floral motifs. Each design element consists of intricate, meandering and interlacing floral and vegetal motifs to make a highly decorative surface. Executed in deep blue, yellow, and cream, on a rich red ground. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Gallery label |
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| Historical context | This style of carpet is known as an Ushak, after the town in west-central Anatolia (modern Turkey) where they are thought to have been made. The large medallion in the center and the side medallions with lobed stars, impressive enough for their size, are rendered even more striking by the contrasting colours used by the weavers. The compelling abstract complexity of the carpet as a whole demonstrates the Ottomans' commitment to aniconism in decoration, and forms an instructive contrast to the figural motifs gloried in by their rivals the Safavids. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | The repeating pattern on this carpet was used in other Ottoman textiles. It evolved from the carpet designs with a central medallion that originated in Iran. These were adopted by Turkish weavers during the late 15th century. This carpet was made in Usak, in western Turkey, a major centre of carpet production. Weavers there began to use new designs based on medallions of different types during the reign of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror (1451–1481). Mehmet himself probably commissioned these designs. They were then used in commercial production for several centuries afterwards. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.71-1914 |
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| Record created | November 6, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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