AN OUSHAK MEDALLION CARPET, WEST ANATOLIA

By repute, Cathedral of Valladolid, Spain
Adolfo Loewi, Venice, August 27 1930

Pile generally low to knot heads throughout. Scattered foldwear and partially oxidized dark browns showing minor spot foundation in areas. Scattered repiling throughout most visible in borders where pile has faded. Rewoven along all four sides. Furhter scattered reweaving. Center of medallion with a 6 in. by 1 in. butler's bell pull slit which is bound all around. Scattered spot stains and surface dirt. Supple handle. Restored. Sound fabric and condition. Iconic design. Upper half of carpet is somewhat more worn.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

With its nearly circular central medallion, excellent drawing, abundant use of meandering floral elements, and powerfully contrasting border, the lot offered here is a classic example of a ‘Medallion’ Oushak carpet. Amongst Oushak carpets, the 'Medallion' design is perhaps the best known: like 'Star' Oushaks, 'Medallion' Oushaks form a distinct group of West Anatolian carpets, often woven in larger dimensions than the 'Star' group. They are well documented in European, particularly Spanish and Flemish paintings from as early as 1570 to the second half of the seventeenth century, often appearing in the eighteenth century; confirmation that they were exported from Turkey in considerable numbers during this period. Many were also found in Italian, Spanish and Portuguese churches. During this long period of production the design and colors suffered few modifications, with only gradual deterioration. Based on a large repeating pattern, and influenced by Persian manuscript art, the design usually has a large central pointed oval medallion, with a different repeated medallion appearing at the edge of the field. Influence can also be seen to stem from the Persian medallion carpets, with their floral repertory. In the present example the sections of secondary medallion appear only at the corners. It is suggested that the design of the large Oushak carpets dates from the end of the reign of Mehmet II, 'the conqueror' (1441-81), when he transferred his court to the new palace in Istanbul, the future Topkapi Palace. The town of Oushak was probably chosen for the production of these carpets because of its existing active workshops and long tradition in rug weaving.