Antique Oushak / Ushak, Turkey, circa 1900
This luxurious Oushak has an unusually classical medallion pattern in its field. The drawing is finely detailed and curvilinear. The openness of the field with minimal motifs also imparts a classic quiescence to the design. The use of a unified ivory ground within the medallions and the cornerpieces as well make the motifs seem transparent and light. The deep terracotta ground of the arabesque border, however, offers an appropriate structuring contrast to the delicate, open qualities of the field.