Antique Turkish Red Oushak Area Rug late 19th Century

Very fine Turkish pure silk Hereke prayer rug from the famous Ozipek workshop. Fine Hereke Silk Rug – Ozipek Workshop Signed 101 x 76 cm (3.31 x 2.49 ft / 39.8 x 29.9 in) Late 20th Century Origin: Hereke, Turkey Manufacture: Ozipek (Özipek) workshop Period: 4th quarter of the 20th century (circa 1975–1999) Signature: Yes, signed in cartouche Condition: Excellent, collectible condition This exquisite Hereke silk rug, handwoven in the famous weaving town of Hereke, Turkey, is a masterclass in elegance, symmetry, and artistic finesse. Measuring 101 x 76 cm (3.31 x 2.49 ft / 39.8 x 29.9 in), it is a signed work from the renowned Ozipek (Özipek) workshop, one of the most respected names in modern Hereke silk weaving. Historical Background – Hereke & Imperial Ties: The town of Hereke, located near Istanbul, rose to prominence in the mid-19th century when Sultan Abdulmecid I founded the Imperial Hereke Weaving Factory in 1843. The goal was to produce the finest carpets for the Ottoman palaces, using silk, wool, and gold threads. These carpets were not only for domestic splendor but also served as diplomatic gifts. In the late 19th century, Hereke carpets gained recognition across Europe — especially in Germany, where Kaiser Wilhelm II became an admirer. On his visits to the Ottoman Empire, the Kaiser received several Hereke rugs as official gifts and reportedly commissioned carpets for his palaces, including Neues Palais in Potsdam. This cross-cultural appreciation helped cement Hereke’s reputation as a producer of imperial-quality rugs. Ozipek Workshop: The Ozipek workshop (sometimes spelled Özipek), active from the mid-20th century onward, continued the Hereke tradition of ultra-fine silk weaving. They are known for their high knot density, refined drawing, and classical Ottoman-Persian motifs. Rugs from this workshop are often signed, as seen in this piece, and are highly valued by collectors. Design & Pattern: This Hereke silk rug features a classic central medallion surrounded by an elegant arrangement of floral motifs, birds and delicate arabesques, creating a perfect symmetry. The field is richly detailed with scrolling vines, lotus blossoms, and stylized palmettes. The border is framed by narrow guard bands with complementary floral accents, enhancing the refined structure of the composition. This type of design reflects a synthesis of Persian Safavid influence and Ottoman decorative aesthetics, which is typical of elite Hereke production. Dominant Colors (Pantone Approximation): Royal Red – Pantone 7621 C (Main field and floral accents) Champagne Gold – Pantone 7506 C (Medallion and border highlights) Midnight Navy – Pantone 2766 C (Outlines and field contrast) Ivory Silk – Pantone 7527 C (Background and border fill) Technical Details: Material: 100% natural silk (warp, weft, and pile) Technique: Hand-knotted (double knot / Turkish knot) Knot Density: Exceptionally fine – often 1,000,000+ knots/m² (up to 654 knots/in²) Use: Collector's item, wall hanging, or luxury décor Signed: Yes, within the border This signed Hereke silk rug by Ozipek is not merely a decorative piece but a testament to imperial textile heritage, offering a tangible connection to the grandeur of the Ottoman court and its European patrons. Its fine craftsmanship, intricate design, and luxurious silk composition make it a sought-after treasure for connoisseurs of fine textiles and classical Turkish weaving. Production method: Hand-knotted Shape: Rectangular Colors: brown-red, gold, beige, black Pile height: approx. 2 – 3 mm Knot density: per m² 1,000,000, kpsi 654 inch² A+ export quality Made in Hereke, Türkiye by the Özipek workshop Usage: Tapestry, Floor Carpet Sustainable: Yes, from natural products Fair Trade: Yes, Label Step Fair Trade Carpets, no child labor, ecologically compatible production. We are Label Step Fair Trade Partners. Hereke silk carpets have always been among the exquisite works of art in carpet production. Its origins go back to the Ottoman Sultan Abdülmecid I, who founded the Hereke Imperial Manufactory to produce all the textiles for his Dolmabahçe Palace on the Bosphorus. Due to the friendship between the German Empire and the Ottoman Empire, there were plenty of contacts between the oriental art of weaving and European customers. As is well known, a particularly great admirer of Hereke carpets was Kaiser Wilhelm II, who brought an impressive collection of exquisite carpets from Hereke with him in 1894. In the 20th century Hereke has developed into the most important production site for exquisite silk carpets. Floral carpets and prayer rugs in sizes 90 x 60 cm, 120 x 80 cm, 150 x 100 cm and 200 x 130 cm are common. Larger carpets are also available, but due to their high price these are much rarer. Simple qualities in wool on cotton warp start with a knot density of approx. 300,000 knots per m², particularly fine pieces reach fineness of over 4,000,000 knots per m². A floral drawing or floral repeat is typical. Well-known weaving masters or manufacturers are Ozipek, Derin, Han Hali. Turkish Hereke silk rugs are the most exclusive and highly priced rugs of all silk rugs...

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