ABSTRACT

It can be inferred from the examples of Western Paintings of 14th century that rugs displaying parts of geometrical fillings and rugs with animal motives which were stylized in our history of knotted weaving first started to be woven in that period. For the first time, Kurt Erdmann led the way to reveal those paintings in different places and evaluate them by dating, taking European artists‘ depictions of rugs in paintings and frescos as a ground. In-depth research on rugs started upon the publication of the book, Vienna Exhibition, in 1891, approximately 113 years ago and the importance paid to some of the old rugs in this book was almost spiritual. The valuable books, periodicals and hundreds of articles having been published gained the art of rug weaving the academic respect it deserved. The history of rugs can be observed in the countries where Turkish people live and it is strictly in relation with them. And It was the Turkish people who introduced it to the world of Islam in the time of the Sultanate of the Great Seljuks, and to the world afterwards. The rugs woven between 15th and 16th centuries are called "Early Ottoman Rugs". These rugs led the way to "Classical Ottoman Rugs". Uşak rugs, as early Turkish rugs, were frequently depicted in the paintings of European artists and although they were quite popular, the name "Uşak" does not exist in inventory records and they are known as Turkish rugs. Within the context of my researches on "The place of Uşak Rugs in European Painting", this study includes a selection from European paintins in which Lotto rugs, being among the authentic Uşak rugs groups in rug weaving literature