Esmaili Oushak

Turkish rugs are as widely loved today as they were in the 13th century, and antique and vintage Oushak rugs and carpets are known specifically for their bold geometric patterns and fine quality. With a name derived from the town of Uşak, Turkey, in western Anatolia, the Oushak textile style — also spelled Ushak — originated in the 15th-century Ottoman Empire, but its aesthetic has influenced weaving around the world, especially through the export of rugs to Europe.

The distinctive Oushak “medallion” pattern has two types of rounded shapes alternating against a rich red or blue background created with natural dyes, while the elaborate “star” pattern involves large eight-pointed shapes in diagonal rows alternating with diamonds. Traditionally, the edges and empty spaces are filled with arabesque details or floral motifs. Both patterns can repeat in infinite directions, allowing for versatility in diverse sizes of hand-knotted authentic Oushak carpets, wall hangings and rugs. It’s believed that similar Iranian designs inspired the artistry of Turkish weavers, possibly through commissions by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror.

While production of Oushak rugs accelerated for an international audience, they also maintained domestic popularity, including covering the floors of palaces and mosques. Owing to their deep colors and exemplary construction, Oushak area rugs woven by hand became status symbols abroad, with Henry VIII depicted standing astride an Oushak rug in a 16th-century portrait by Hans Holbein the Younger. The rugs and carpets made for export had rougher weaves while European copies proliferated as demand expanded into the 19th century. And beyond the authenticity of antique and vintage rugs in general, the geometric styles of Oushak rugs are appealing to interior designers because they work so well in today's homes.

The market has changed with a global increase in machine-fabricated carpets, yet handmade designs continue to be produced in Uşak with contemporary rug companies like Kirkit working with skilled artisans in the area.

Find vintage Oushak rugs and carpets, folk art and other Oushak furniture on 1stDibs.

Antique, new and vintage area rugs and carpets are a simple way to add warmth and style to any space. Area rugs can be seasonal or changed with other decorative objects to refresh an interior. Carpet piles materials can vary from wool and cotton to silk and synthetic fibers, and the purpose of a floor covering can range from reducing noise to offering a place to sit.

Vintage rugs can ground a space, and arranging furniture around them creates a measured focal point. Key furniture pieces can be placed on the rug or just the legs, such as with furniture like coffee tables in your living room.

So, how can you tell if a rug is high quality or vintage?

The three main components that determine the quality of a piece are the dyes, the wool and the number of knots per square inch. Ultimately, however, if you want to be sure the rug you’re buying is truly an antique, it is best to consult an expert.

If you want a creative design that stands out, area rugs or carpets can provide layers of color. Rugs and carpets reflect a global heritage of textiles and weaving, such as ornately patterned Persian and Indian designs. Visually striking Chinese rugs can add a delicate touch of color, while modern rugs make a statement with their geometric patterns.

Turkish rugs, with their ruby reds and misted blues, their entwined botanical designs and rhythmic geometries, are as beloved today as they were in the 13th century. The West’s current infatuation with Moroccan and North African tribal rugs stretches to the mid-20th century, when modern furniture designers embraced bold geometric patterns and even bolder palettes as counterpoints to form-follows-function interiors. Alvar Aalto, Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier were among the designers who used these rustic, natural rugs to offset austere interiors.

If you properly maintain your antique and vintage rugs, they will last for many years. When you’re thinking about how to clean a rug, it is important to keep in mind that your vacuum is not too harsh for your favorite floor covering. Frequent vacuuming is in fact necessary to remove everyday dirt that otherwise wears down the pile. Omri Schwartz of Nazmiyal does, however, stipulate that “it’s best to use an ordinary suction vacuum without bristles, as the bristles can damage the rug’s pile.” Rotating the carpet every couple of years is also recommended — it ensures that the rug gets even foot traffic.

On 1stDibs, find a vintage rug or carpet to add a layer of beauty and function to your room.