How do I identify an Oushak carpet?

Oushak carpets typically display large-scale floral patterns and pale colour fields, often utilising soft blues, pinks, and creams. These pieces originate from western Anatolia and generally provide a more expansive, decorative appearance compared to tighter geometric village rugs.

Where were prayer rugs used?

Prayer rugs served both practical devotional purposes and domestic decoration within traditional Turkish homes. Their distinctive arch or mihrab design points toward Mecca during daily use by the household.

What is the difference between a kelim and a pile rug?

Kelims are flatweave textiles created without any raised pile by interweaving the warp and weft threads directly. Pile rugs feature individual knots of wool tied to the foundation, resulting in a thick, textured surface.

How do I care for an antique wool carpet?

Antique wool carpets require gentle vacuuming without rotating brush heads to protect the historic pile and foundation threads. Professional specialist cleaning ensures the natural wool fibres and dyes remain preserved over decades of domestic placement.