Vintage Turkish Oushak Rug | Anatolian Antique Tribal Hand-Knotted Wool 1960s

Vintage 1960s Anatolian Oushak Tribal Rug
A striking example of mid‑20th‑century Turkish village weaving, this hand‑knotted Oushak rug dates to the 1960s. Crafted in a small Anatolian workshop—likely in the Uşak region—it blends centuries‑old tribal motifs with the softer, more relaxed palette that characterized rural production in the post‑war era. Its elongated shape and generous scale made it ideal as a hallway runner or laid across a low seating area in a farmhouse setting.

Materials & Weaving Technique
Woven on a vertical loom, the foundation consists of a sturdy cotton warp and weft, while the pile is spun from local sheep’s wool. The symmetrical (Ghiordes) knot ensures resilience under foot, with an average density of approximately 70–90 knots per square inch. Unlike some earlier Oushak carpets that used muted natural dyes, this rug employs a mix of traditional madder‑root reds and experimentally blended aniline‑enhanced pigments—common in the 1960s—to achieve a softer, pastel‑toned effect.

Color Palette & Abrash
The field presents a misty blush‑pink background—where faint abrash shifts from pale salmon to dusty rose—overlaid with charcoal‑gray and rust‑orange floral medallions. Hints of mint‑green and ivory appear in the secondary elements, lending a refreshing contrast. The overall faded appearance is partly intentional (aniline washes were sometimes used) and partly the result of decades of gentle wear and even sunlight exposure, creating a soothing watercolor effect.

Primary Motifs & Layout

• All‑over Medallions: Unlike classical centralized Oushak carpets, this runner features a staggered repeat of octagonal floral medallions, each enclosing stylized palmettes and rosettes. This all‑over pattern reflects tribal aesthetic preferences, where symmetry is less rigid and motifs appear more spontaneously.

• Connecting Vines: Subtle meandering “S‑shaped” vines link the medallions, symbolizing continuity and protection.

• Guard Borders: Framed by a narrow inner stripe of linked “fishbone” motifs (for abundance) and a wider outer border of alternating “gul” (rosebud) shapes—celebrating fertility and love—this rug boasts a balanced composition that guides the eye along its length.

Motif Origins & Dating

• The scalloped “gul” border motifs trace back to Turkmen tent‑weaving traditions of Central Asia, but were widely adopted in Uşak looms by the 19th century.

• The all‑over octagonal medallions emerge in Anatolian tribal weavings during the early 20th century, gaining popularity in the 1950s–60s for their dynamic, less formal arrangement.

• Use of aniline‑enhanced dyes peaked in rural Anatolian workshops around 1960–1970, situating this piece firmly in that timeframe.

Condition & Character
This rug remains in very good vintage condition. The pile shows even, low‑profile wear—ideal for a high‑traffic corridor—and minor surface softening. There are no visible repairs or moth holes. The ends retain their original flat‑woven kilim finish, with only slight fraying at the selvages, adding to its authentic farmhouse appeal.

Provenance & Use
Originally woven for domestic use in an Anatolian farmhouse, this runner would have graced a long entryway or the threshold between rooms. Today, it suits both modern and traditional interiors, bringing a gentle, lived‑in patina and the soulful geometry of Anatolian tribal art to any space.

📏 Measurements:

• Metric: 92 × 198 cm

• Inches: 36.22 × 77.95 in

• Feet (Decimal): 3.02 × 6.50 ft

• Feet & Inches: 3′ 0.2″ × 6′ 6.0″

Shipping & Handling:

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Regularly vacuum your handmade vintage rug and keep it out of direct sunlight. For spills, gently blot with a damp cloth; avoid harsh chemicals and machine washing. Professional cleaning is recommended.