Afghan Oushak

This collection features Oushak designs that have woven in Afghanistan. Many of the masterpieces of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries have been attributed to Oushak, and many popular star and medallion carpets originated in Oushak. These rugs are known for silky, luminous wool in tones of cinnamon, terracotta, gold, blues, green, ivory, saffron, and gray.

Beginning in the late 19th century, floral patterns in the Persian tradition were incorporated into their designs. Weavers came from villages outside of Oushak and employed tribal techniques, including the use of larger knots (sometimes less than 30 knots per square inch) and an all-wool foundation. The tribal style fused with the older Oushak/Smyra designs to create a new style simply known as late 19th/early 20th century Oushak carpets.