Ushak carpet

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Medallion Ushak carpet at the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Istanbul

Uşak carpet or Ushak carpet is a carpet woven in the city of Uşak, Turkey. These carpets have been made in Uşak (pronounced Ushak) for centuries. Imported by Europeans, especially as of the 15th century century, they adorned cathedrals, churches, and the homes of the wealthy and powerful.

In the European markets, Ushak carpets were generally called "Lotto carpets" and they later came to be referred to as "Holbein carpets" for the period in question. The second term makes reference to their depiction in minute detail in portraits painted by Hans Holbein the Younger, in which they are often placed in a way to brighten the background decor.^[1] As of the 16th century, "Star Ushak" or "Medallion Ushak" or simply "Ushak" were the terms usually employed. Although the patterns and other characteristics had evolved in time, experts agree on their respective provenance to be traced to Uşak and vicinity ^[2]. The evolution was pursued and all the same, the region of Uşak still remains a vibrant center of hand-made carpet weaving today.

Holbein's Ambassadors leaning on an Ushak carpet

The level of international popularity attained by Uşak's carpets became such that the word "Ushak" is considered an English word of Turkic origin ^[3]

[edit] References

^ Other types of rugs were also named after examples seen in paintings, such as Crivelli rugs.
^ Christopher Robin Andrews. Article: Classical Anatolian Carpet Revival (English). Jozan Oriental rug magazine.
^ Merriam-Webster Unabridged - Ushak A heavy woolen oriental rug tied in Ghiordes knots and characterized by bright primary colors and an elaborate medallion pattern.