Oushak rugs are a subcategory of Turkish rugs. These decorative fabrics originate in Oushak in the west-central Anatolia, today just south of Istanbul, Turkey. You may find them under different spelling – Usak or Ushak. Oushak rugs belong to one of the oldest and finest Oriental carpets. Therefore, their designs are complex, and colors are warm with a predominance of red and brown. Oushak rugs are usually made with a silky, soft and luminous wool.
Antique oriental carpets and rugs from Oushak are also known as Ushak. Since the sixteen century, they have been among esteemed objects d’art. Oushak rugs appeared in still life paintings of important European personages. Artists such as Holbein, Lotto, Velasquez, Memling and Vermeer depicted them. Until the eighteenth century the Ottoman carpets were decisively in vogue. They carried unabated designs such as ‘medallion’ and ‘star’ in royal tones of brick red, terracotta, deep blue and gold. Even after that period they have continued to grace European interiors. Over time, designs of Oushak rugs have started to evolve. Yet, they still managed to keep the distinctive character of the 16th century prototypes. Large scale ovoid or star-shaped medallions enclosing split-leaf ‘rumi’ and floral vinery are characteristic motifs.