This Oushak rug was handwoven during the early 20th century in Western Anatolia.
It features a variation of a Bid Majnun or weeping willow design. It is rendered asymmetrically, with composite motifs at varying scales. The pleasing palette features soft yellows, greens, corals, and browns, with a wonderful Aegean blue ground. Subtle crucifixes have been added to the bottom left corner as well as atop the central tree, indicating it was likely woven by Greek Christians who were known to live in the region at the time and were active weavers. The asymmetric patterning aligns with Greek Orthodox village context and may have been woven for household use or a wedding dowry. These subtle additions are also found on some Greek Orthodox weavings in the Cappadoccia region of Central Anatolia. The rug also has an uncommon usage of blue dyed warps (in addition to red wefts). In Eastern Christian Mysticism, the hidden can often become the holy. This was especially the case under Ottoman rule where religious expression was often muted or encoded.
In very good condition, with very little wear. Plush medium pile with a soft chunky handle. Beautiful on the floor or the wall.
Size: 3' x 5'11" [95 cm x 180 cm]
Age: Q1 20th century (1900-1925)
Country of Origin: Western Anatolia
Type of Rug: Oushak
Material: Wool pile on wool foundation
Pile Height: Medium
Condition: Very good; very minor wear
BK2264
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