West Anatolia Oushak Esme Rug

 Dimensions 75 in x 155 in 

It was woven by women 40-50 years ago in the Esme region of Oushak Province in the West Anatolia Region, using only woolen yarns on vertical looms called istar. Typically red, green and blue colors were used. The black color used in the border is rare. The color green represents a wish, blue represents hope, red represents passionate love. Since it was woven before 1981, it is defined as a mid-period Esme Rug. The wool is dyed with plants such as red root crops, acorns, walnut shells, onion peels. Vinegar, plum juice, lye and mushroom juice were used to change the shades of the colors. This process is called mordanting. The city of Oushak and the Esme region are known all over the world for their mastery of carpet and rug weaving. Esme rugs are protected with a geographical indication. Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, had an Uşak rug on the couch where he used to lay his patients. You can still see this rug in the Sigmund Freud Museum in London.