Large Fragmentary Ushak “Quatrefoil” Carpet, Turkish, Ottoman period, 16th century. Wool, 302.3 x 229.2 cm. Saint Louis Art Museum, Gift of James F. Ballard, 98:1929.

Although this Star Ushak is unique for its motif of a repeated blue star and diamond combined, it is characteristically Ushak in the coloring of blue medallions on a brilliant red field. Star Ushak carpets typically consist of large star-shaped medallions which alternate with smaller diamond-shaped units. Curving arabesque forms and floral elements fill the remaining spaces. The town of Ushak in western Anatolia (present-day Turkey) was known for its carpet weaving since the 15th century. The popularity of the Star Ushak design in the West can be seen in the many times it was represented in paintings, the number of carpets exported, and the European copies of the design. This rug is one of 110 oriental carpets donated to the museum from the collection of St. Louisian James F. Ballard. Ballard is recognized as one of the most significant American collectors of oriental carpets in the early 20th century.