Originating in the small town of Oushak in west-central Anatolia, these rugs were highly favored by the Ottoman Empire. Oushak rugs are one of the most significant styles of Turkish rugs and are known for their beautiful antique look. They are usually designed with motifs consisting of flowers, tendrils, or even geometric shape designs. Larger medallions complement the more intricate designs, creating perfect harmony. Colors are stunningly balanced with warm and cool tones, completing the rug.
The Recognizable vivacious colors of overdyed involves a five step process, that makes something old into something new. various chemical washes and natural sun bleaching, helps to soften some of the harsher outlines of vintage patterns then a blank canvas is created. Once the rug is ready to be dyed, it is hand dyed several times using natural dyes. The colors from the natural dyes gives them their lively splash of color.
Wool and Silk rugs are known for their lustrous shiny fibers, and fabulously soft finish. Often times during the weaving process, a blend of silk and wool is used to weave the rugs. The patterns of silk rugs range from abstract modern designs, to traditional designs. The silk can be used to highlight details of the rug helping them stand out.
This is a fine example of an Overdyed area rug. These rugs demonstrate a process best described as 'The modern palette applied to classics'. It consists of an added step to the finishing process in which the rug is antique washed, sheared, and finally hand dyed in a full immersion bath of a chosen color. The effect is quite stunning, adding a vibrant overcast to the whole rug and blending seamlessly with the prior dyes.
William Morris design are part of arts and crafts movement often including natural forms. These 19th and early 20th century designs are distinctive for their stylized natural forms, their symmetry and their vibrant colors. William Morris patterns are based on nature such thistles, ginkgo leaves, willow trees and flowers. These modern hand knotted rugs are woven with high quality wool, silk or both.