Knotted with Turkish knots of midnight blue and Parisian gold, this Hamedan exhibits the value of symmetry in the islamocentric 19th century Persia. Encompassing a wide range  More »

Knotted with Turkish knots of midnight blue and Parisian gold, this Hamedan exhibits the value of symmetry in the islamocentric 19th century Persia. Encompassing a wide range of design styles, this rug follows the traditional prayer rug design, but features a number of Turkish-influenced elements as well. The color blue was in common use by the 19th century in Persia, which is reflected in its deep washes of midnight blue and ultramarine. A booming indigo dye market in India provided regional craftmakers with a wide range of new colors to use in their craft. Style: Hamedan Origin: Persia Size: 4. ft 07 in x 6. ft 05 in (1.40 m x 1.96 m)   « Less

Antique Turkish Rug, early twentieth centuryThe abstract sensibility of tribal rug weaving reigns supreme on this striking and unusual antique Turkish rug. The bold, graphic  More »

Antique Turkish Rug, early twentieth centuryThe abstract sensibility of tribal rug weaving reigns supreme on this striking and unusual antique Turkish rug. The bold, graphic simplicity of the design with its stepped medallion, crenellated sides, and no true border all indicate clearly that this pile rug was inspired by a flatwoven ‘Kilim’ in slit tapestry technique. But here the pile technique adds a whole new dimension of plush velvety luxury that is simply impossible in tapestry technique. The restrained palette of cinnamon and tan helps to assert the underlying aesthetic that less can be more when handled with taste and thoughtful restraint. Although inspired by traditional tribal weaving, this piece is eminently decorative and has a strong modernist appeal. Style: Region Specific Origin: Turkey Size: 4. ft 05 in x 6. ft 05 in (1.35 m x 1.96 m)   « Less

English Needlepoint, late nineteenth centuryAn elegant young maiden in a neo-medieval style stands amidst lush stylized vinescrolls replete with birds and flowers on this  More »

English Needlepoint, late nineteenth centuryAn elegant young maiden in a neo-medieval style stands amidst lush stylized vinescrolls replete with birds and flowers on this stunning antique English needlepoint. Reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts designs of William Morris and the Pre-Raphaelite painters, the composition harks back to the art of the Middle Ages while looking ahead to Art Nouveau. The Latin inscription of the upper and lower borders in Gothic calligraphy states, 'Malum concillium est quod mutari non potest,' 'It is bad advice that cannot change.' Style: Needlepoint Origin: England Size: 4. ft 04 in x 6. ft 06 in (1.32 m x 1.98 m)   « Less

Antique Indian Carpet, 17th Century Closely modeled on the so-called Isfahan carpets of Central Persia, this classic Indian example demonstrates the strong ties between  More »

Antique Indian Carpet, 17th Century Closely modeled on the so-called Isfahan carpets of Central Persia, this classic Indian example demonstrates the strong ties between Indian and Persian weaving of the highest quality. The soft lavender-magenta field has a lovely allover pattern of richly detailed flowers and palmettes connected by delicate vinescrolls. Similar palmettes on a larger scale make up the main border along with tapering floral clusters, all on a dark ground that contrasts boldly with the soft pastel hues of the field. This Rug is Part of Nazmiyal's Early Period Rugs & Important Antique Carpets Collection. Style: Mugal Origin: India Size: 4. ft 07 in x 6. ft 06 in (1.40 m x 1.98 m)   « Less

Antique Kerman Rug from Persia, circa 1900A grand, sweeping design of curling leaves and volutes stands out from the surrounding fine vinescroll mesh on this highly unusual  More »

Antique Kerman Rug from Persia, circa 1900A grand, sweeping design of curling leaves and volutes stands out from the surrounding fine vinescroll mesh on this highly unusual antique Kerman. Highly reminiscent of classical Polonaise carpets, this design is unusual among nineteenth century Persian rugs, and especially among Kermans. The pencil-fine vinescroll border provides the ideal framing contrast and emphasis for the monumentality of the field. Style: Kerman Origin: Persia Size: 4. ft x 6. ft 07 in (1.22 m x 2.01 m)   « Less

Swedish Rollakan Tapestry Rug - Swedish Rollakan tapestries like this lovely example have a long history reaching back to late medieval times. They are prized for their sense  More »

Swedish Rollakan Tapestry Rug - Swedish Rollakan tapestries like this lovely example have a long history reaching back to late medieval times. They are prized for their sense of pure abstract simplicity of design and their wonderful color. Here the simple geometry appears in the bands of stepped motifs on tan accented by saffron stripes, but the design relies mostly on the most lovely shade of green, subtly shaded or variegated to provide a sense of depth. Made originally as sled coverlets or blankets, they are effective as well as floor coverings or textile paintings for the wall. Style: Region Specific Origin: Scandinavia Size: 5. ft x 6. ft 07 in (1.52 m x 2.01 m)   « Less

Antique Chinese, late nineteenth century A single flowering leafy branch constitutes virtually the entire design of this charming little antique Chinese rug, except for the  More »

Antique Chinese, late nineteenth century A single flowering leafy branch constitutes virtually the entire design of this charming little antique Chinese rug, except for the openwork meander border. The uniform ground of multi-colored striations seems to make the other forms appear to hover like transparent elements in deep space, providing a sense of open and kinetic freeness. Style: Chinese Origin: China Size: 3. ft 11 in x 6. ft 07 in (1.19 m x 2.01 m)   « Less

43024 Antique Ningshia, China, nineteenth century - A classic Chinese design unfurls with graceful simplicity on this stunning antique Ningshia rug. An approximately  More »

43024 Antique Ningshia, China, nineteenth century - A classic Chinese design unfurls with graceful simplicity on this stunning antique Ningshia rug. An approximately circular medallion with stepped contour and cruciform filler ornament floats at the center of a fiery ‘Chinese red’ field, surround by clusters of openwork floral whorls. An inner border of diamond lattice rosettes is surrounded in turn by a running meander pattern rendered in three-dimensional ‘trompe oeuil’ technique. Guard stripes and an outer zone of navy add further structure to the framing border system. While Chinese carpets are generally known for their soft, restrained coloration, the palette here reminds us of the importance of color in classic Chinese design. Style: Chinese Origin: China Size: 4. ft 07 in x 6. ft 07 in (1.40 m x 2.01 m)   « Less

Speckled by geometric designs, this rug relies heavily on symmetry and geometry. The sharp angles of the design convey a sense of balance and order. Light salmon and  More »

Speckled by geometric designs, this rug relies heavily on symmetry and geometry. The sharp angles of the design convey a sense of balance and order. Light salmon and ultramarine colors fill the background of the piece, drawing sharp attention to the tan medallion in the center. Lotus-like flowers grow along the perimeter of the rug, splashed with saffron and grey blue wash. The rug is in pristine condition; a true time passage to the height of Persian artistic design. Style: Senneh Origin: Persia Size: 4. ft 08 in x 6. ft 07 in (1.42 m x 2.01 m)   « Less

Salmon pink guard borders and elaborate abstract designs outside of the borders make this rug a truly unique piece. The dyes present in this rug were usually absent in  More »

Salmon pink guard borders and elaborate abstract designs outside of the borders make this rug a truly unique piece. The dyes present in this rug were usually absent in Malayer rugs past the 1880's, but in the case of this rug, the designer revisited the classic colors of the Malayer styled rug from the early 19th century. A beautiful flourished design sits atop an ocean of midnight blue. Tans and brick reds intermingle in a charming and sentimental piece that commemorates the height of Persian rug design. Style: Malayer Origin: Persia Size: 4. ft 07 in x 6. ft 07 in (1.40 m x 2.01 m)   « Less