STAR USHAK ~4~

       

The design is characterized by two medallions, one a star, the other a diamond, set in a lattice like field of flowers and leaves. The design has a transitional quality between the strict orthogonal geometry of the earliest known carpets and the more curvilinear quality of later designs.  The pattern is considered by some to be a precursor of the Medallion Ushak, by others, a contemporary development.  It's "Rorschach blot" quality gives it an elemental power.  The large format Ushak designs have also been linked to tile and bookbinding designs (shown above right, drawing of Ottoman Bookbinding from 1465). Some scholars have also associated these Ottoman designs with Persian Safavid patterns, however the direction of the influence is passionately debated. This bookbinding predates the Safavid Empire and may relate to earlier Seljuk designs, perhaps supporting an earlier date for the emergence of these motifs in carpets as well..

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