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"Bird" Carpet

17th century
Not on view
In contrast to most Anatolian rugs, which tend to feature brilliant red and blue tones, the type known as a "bird" carpet is dominated by white undyed wool in both the center field and border. Against this background is a continuous pattern based on a grid of abstract leaf forms that resemble birds (the feature that lends the type its name) and floral rosettes. "Bird" and other white-background carpets woven in Ushak and elsewhere in Western Anatolia were usually made in large sizes. The "bird" carpet group was intended for export to Europe.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Bird" Carpet
  • Date: 17th century
  • Geography: Made in probably Western Turkey
  • Medium: Wool (warp, weft and pile); symmetrically knotted pile
  • Dimensions: L. 170 1/2 in. (433.1 cm)
    W. 93 5/8 in. (237.8 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Rugs
  • Credit Line: Gift of Joseph V. McMullan, 1963
  • Object Number: 63.207
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
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"Star Ushak" Carpet, Wool (warp, weft and pile); symmetrically knotted pile
"Star Ushak" Carpet
probably 17th century
The 'Nigde' Carpet, Cotton (warp and weft), wool (pile); symmetrically knotted pile
The 'Nigde' Carpet
18th century
Carpet with Scrolling Vines and Blossoms, Silk (warp and weft), pashmina wool (pile); asymmetrically knotted pile
Carpet with Scrolling Vines and Blossoms
ca. 1650
Ushak Medallion Carpet on White Ground, Wool (warp, weft and pile); symmetrically knotted pile
Ushak Medallion Carpet on White Ground
first half 17th century
Prayer Rug with Triple Arch Design, Wool (warp, weft, and pile); symmetrically knotted pile
Prayer Rug with Triple Arch Design
probably late 18th century

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