"Star Ushak" Carpet

Unknown

probably 17th century · Wool (warp, weft and pile); symmetrically knotted pile · Islamic Art

The starlike medallions that give this type of carpet its name were a favored design among commercial weavers in the Ushak district of western Anatolia. The inspiration for the continuous repeating pattern may have its source in other media, such as fifteenth-century architectural tilework. Most Ushak carpets are recognizable by their characteristic color palette of rich red, dark blue, and yellow, often highlighted with touches of bright white and fresh green. Examples woven in Western Anatolia, such as this one, were often exported to Europe.

Artist

Unknown

Date

probably 17th century

Medium

Wool (warp, weft and pile); symmetrically knotted pile

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

The James F. Ballard Collection, Gift of James F. Ballard, 1922