Handwoven Vintage Usak (Oushak) Esme Kilim

Handwoven Vintage  Usak (Oushak) Esme Kilim

      170 cm x 340 cm / 5′7″ x 11′2″

     This remarkable vintage kilim was handwoven approximately 80–90 years ago in the Esme region of Usak, Western Anatolia. Created by local women using natural wool yarns on upright looms known as istar, it reflects the symbolic colour language and rich textile heritage of the area.

      The dominant tones of red and yellow are not only aesthetically striking but also carry deep cultural meanings—particularly in Esme weaving, where red often represents passionate love. The wool was dyed using natural sources such as madder root, walnut husks, oak galls, and onion skins. To shift the tones, a traditional mordanting process was applied using substances like verjuice (unripe grape juice), ash water, and mushroom extract.

     Esme kilims are protected under geographical indication and are celebrated for their superior craftsmanship. Their importance is not only regional—Usak carpets are known worldwide. A famous example is found on the iconic couch of Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, still on display today at the Freud Museum in London.

Thanks to its generous dimensions, this kilim is ideal for large living spaces, lounges, or as a centrepiece in a collector’s home. It offers not only decorative value but also a deep sense of cultural continuity and artisanal beauty.

Please note: Due to differences in lighting during photography, there may be slight variations in colour between the images and the actual item. Some kilims have been stored unused for decades, while others may show light signs of wear. Certain areas may have undergone small repairs over time, while others have been preserved in their original state for authenticity. We have done our best to reflect these characteristics in the images.

Feel free to contact us for further information or additional photos.