Small medallion Ushak rug, 18th century. Austria Auction Company, Fine Antique Oriental Rugs, lot 56.

Small medallion Ushak rug, 18th century. Austria Auction Company, Fine Antique Oriental Rugs, lot 56. (September 21, 2013) Sold for €10 000

Ushak double niche rug, Approximately 6ft. x 3ft. 9in. (182x114cm) Turkey circa 1750. Ideas this type of medaillon Ushak might have been used as a prayer rug remain an interesting question. One thing is sure many of them were made from the 16th to the 18th century and exported to Europe where they found place in the decorative schemes of the extremely wealthy. This example is surely not one of the earliest but its skillful reproduction of the style, both in the field and borders, compares remarkably well. Color-wise, too, it demonstrates the same clear, bright and brilliant hues for which Ushak weavings are justly famous. The simple but elegant medaillon and flowing arabesque type corners create a distinctive picture, one undoubtedly that has far more ancient roots in the weaving culture of Anatolia. The single mosque-lamp suspended above the medallion harks a clear message this rug might really have originally been used by its original owner for daily prayers.