Aubusson Runner, nineteenth century, one of a pair (2854) Clusters of soft red and pink roses and carnations tied with fluttering ribbons comprise the field design of this  More »

Aubusson Runner, nineteenth century, one of a pair (2854) Clusters of soft red and pink roses and carnations tied with fluttering ribbons comprise the field design of this matched pair of incomparably beautiful Aubusson runners. Swags of leafy branches define the border against a ground of cool ivory tan. Aubussons are generally informed by an aesthetic of classical clarity and simplicity coupled with strikingly realistic drawing. But these examples exemplify this tradition at its very best. Size: 3. ft 02 in x 10 ft 09 in (0.97 m x 3.28 m)   « Less

Antique Spanish carpet, early twentieth century. While most antique Spanish carpets of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries have a more western style of design in keeping  More »

Antique Spanish carpet, early twentieth century. While most antique Spanish carpets of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries have a more western style of design in keeping with the trends that have prevailed since the sixteenth century, this highly unusual example is adapted from a classical Persian design of palmette, arabesque vine scrolls, and cloud bands. The bolder drawing and proportions of the forms, like the pastel coloration, are typically Spanish though, as is the wreath-like treatment of the palmettes in the main border. Size: 8. ft 01 in x 11 ft 03 in (2.46 m x 3.43 m)   « Less

This extraordinary Karabagh runner features a pendulous medallion with a richly-colored background and all-over rose pattern. A multitude of auspicious bird symbols decorate  More »

This extraordinary Karabagh runner features a pendulous medallion with a richly-colored background and all-over rose pattern. A multitude of auspicious bird symbols decorate the geometric grid of branching Karabagh roses that are woven with a great amount of detail in exceptional shades of green and rose-red that contrast against the dark ground. Pyramidal inner borders with a bi-color zigzagging pattern and traditional guardbands woven with a pattern repeating floral motifs complete this Karabagh runner. Size: 3. ft 07 in x 11 ft 05 in (1.09 m x 3.48 m)   « Less

Oushak Long Rug, Turkey, early twentieth century. This charming antique Oushak has a design derived from classical Northwest Persian garden carpets. To either side of a  More »

Oushak Long Rug, Turkey, early twentieth century. This charming antique Oushak has a design derived from classical Northwest Persian garden carpets. To either side of a central inscribed cartouche are stylized shrubs and L-shaped stylized willow branches in ivory and apricot, all set against a soft brown field. The main borders are narrow with a simple floral vinescroll, flanked by geometric minor borders to frame the field more effectively. The softness of the coloration is nicely underscored by the lustrous sheen of the soft wool pile. Size: 3. ft 10 in x 11 ft 10 in (1.17 m x 3.61 m)   « Less

Antique English Axminster Rug, circa 1900 - The charm of antique Axminsters like this lovely example resides in their eclectic blend of Persian rug design with the taste and  More »

Antique English Axminster Rug, circa 1900 - The charm of antique Axminsters like this lovely example resides in their eclectic blend of Persian rug design with the taste and color sensibility of the English Arts and Crafts Movement. The allover sprays of palmettes and rosettes in the field and border designs are reminiscent of the finest Sultanabads. Yet the soft coloration and drawing also recall William Morris textiles and wallpapers, which were in turn based on oriental patterns. This lovely carpet reminds us that eastern and European design are not so far apart after all. Size: 12 ft 01 in x 12 ft 01 in (3.68 m x 3.68 m)   « Less

Antique Donegal Irish Rug, circa 1900 A classical Persian design of palmettes and cloudband vinescrolls floats gracefully across the open persimmon ground of this elegant and  More »

Antique Donegal Irish Rug, circa 1900 A classical Persian design of palmettes and cloudband vinescrolls floats gracefully across the open persimmon ground of this elegant and richly decorative antique Irish carpet. A similar pattern of palmette vines repeats though the teal ground border. Though based on oriental patterns, the drawing and the coloration - especially the lovely mixture of persimmon, teal, and goldenrod tones are distinctly Irish recalling the taste of contemporary arts and crafts rugs and textiles. Size: 13 ft 03 in x 13 ft 08 in (4.04 m x 4.17 m)   « Less

44638 Antique Bidjar, Persia, late nineteenth century A monumental compartment design defined by bold, beaded strapwork unfolds down the length of this one-of-a-kind  More »

44638 Antique Bidjar, Persia, late nineteenth century A monumental compartment design defined by bold, beaded strapwork unfolds down the length of this one-of-a-kind Bidjar. Lush acanthus leaves and lotus palmettes fill the various compartments against the imposing dark ground, while heraldic lions rear across the strapwork borders. The finely wrought detail of the ‘turtle’ vinescroll main border offers an appropriate contrast to the monumental scale and bolder graphics of the field, with ivory ground vinescroll minor borders to underscore the framing function. The classic Bidjar palette of rich reds, golds, green, and blue provides the perfect complement to the design. Size: 5. ft 02 in x 14 ft 01 in (1.57 m x 4.29 m)   « Less

Antique Amritsar. India, circa 1900A design of outstanding delicacy drawn from classical Isfahan carpets graces this lovely antique Amritsar rug. Here the more  More »

Antique Amritsar. India, circa 1900A design of outstanding delicacy drawn from classical Isfahan carpets graces this lovely antique Amritsar rug. Here the more brightly-colored palette of the classical forerunner gives way to a warm, golden color scheme more suitable for contemporary decor. The soft color mollifies the exceedingly intricate ornament of arabesques and cloudbands. We are distracted rrom the maze of fine detail so that the design can function primarily around a relaxed contrast between gold and ivory in the field and the border as well. Size: 12 ft 04 in x 14 ft 07 in (3.76 m x 4.45 m)   « Less

Antique Savonnerie, France, late nineteenth century Half-circles and spheres in a larger cruciform arrangement comprise the octagonal field of this striking antique French  More »

Antique Savonnerie, France, late nineteenth century Half-circles and spheres in a larger cruciform arrangement comprise the octagonal field of this striking antique French Savonnerie. The ornamental detail is spare and reserved. The half-circles contain only laurel wreaths and simple vine compositions of classical, Greco-Roman derivation. The central sphere has a more elaborate fill of scalloped, fan-like patterns around a central array of fine garlands so pale that they are barely discernible. A simple reciprocal scroll border encloses the whole field. The palette of soft tan, mauve, and aubergine outlines is, like the design, the epitome of restraint and elegance. The octagonal form of the carpet is relatively unusual. Size: 14 ft x 14 ft 09 in (4.27 m x 4.50 m)   « Less

Antique Agra, India, circa 1900On this lovely antique Agra a classic Herati design of leaves and palmettes unfolds across the field in allover symmetry. The pattern is  More »

Antique Agra, India, circa 1900On this lovely antique Agra a classic Herati design of leaves and palmettes unfolds across the field in allover symmetry. The pattern is rendered in shades of pale gold with sparing use of deep red for accents. The grand scale of the design is unusual and striking. Herati designs tend to tiny and mechanical without the bold sweep of this example. A ‘turtle’ vinescroll serves as the main border set against an olive green ground that nicely complements the pale blue field, while the minor borders in deep red adroitly reprise the accents of the field design. Size: 13 ft 02 in x 14 ft 10 in (4.01 m x 4.52 m)   « Less