Carpet, star design

DateProbably 19th or 20th c.

MediumWool pile, red wool warps and wefts.

Dimensions7'11" X 4'5"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1957-140

DescriptionStar design carpet: ghiordes knot; approx. 90 per square inch; 2 shoots red wool wefts after each row of knots. Colors: Ground; field-red, star medallion- dark blue, cartouches-dark blue, border-red, inner and outer guard bands- yellow; pattern; yellow, olive green, black, light blue, dark blue, red, white. The field has an eight-pointed star-shaped medallion and lobed lozenges at each end, containing arabesque scrolls with palmettes. At each corner are sections of star medallions. The rest of the field is covered with angular floral scrolls bearing palmettes, birds, and leaves. The border has an arabesque with half-palmettes and rosettes. The inner and outer guard bands contain simple wavy scrolls with leaves.

Construction History
19th or 20th c., probably: Initial construction
Aug. 1957: Lined by Beshir Galleries (New York, NY)
June - Sept. 1976: Hand cleaned, lining replaced, and edges rewoven by Beshir Galleries (New York, NY)
Aug. 1977: Cleaned and moth-proofed by Yonan Rug Co. (Richmond, VA)Label TextStar Ushak carpets (named for their pointed star medallions) are believed to have been produced in Anatolia only in the 16th and 17th centuries. However, based on scholarly evaluations of its construction, condition, and colors, this carpet is most likely a 19th or 20th century copy of an earlier Star Ushak design. The imitation of Oriental carpet styles in modern, or even non-Asian contexts indicates their desirability within a broader global market.Inscription(s)NoneMark(s)NoneProvenancePrior to 1957, Beshir Galleries (New York, NY); 1957-present, purchased by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)