Antique Khorassan, Persia, circa 1890. A complex reciprocal design of shield medallions repeating in horizontal rows spreads gracefully across the field of this stately  More »

Antique Khorassan, Persia, circa 1890. A complex reciprocal design of shield medallions repeating in horizontal rows spreads gracefully across the field of this stately antique Khorassan. Each the shields has a small tree within it, while the use of red and gold ground color creates diagonal effects throughout the design. The corresponding forms defined by the shields are filled with flowering shrub patterns against a uniform blue ground that barely shows through. A leafy vinescroll border main border provides a striking contrast in design, although it is mollified by minor borders that transition back into the tonality and pattern of the field. Though essentially a decorative carpet, there is considerable interest and complexity here beneath the surface Style: Khorassan Origin: Persia Size: 13 ft 02 in x 21 ft 07 in (4.01 m x 6.58 m)   « Less

Antique Agra, India, circa 1900An allover composition of flowering vines repeats in endless symmetry across the field of this stately antique Agra. The palette is supremely  More »

Antique Agra, India, circa 1900An allover composition of flowering vines repeats in endless symmetry across the field of this stately antique Agra. The palette is supremely soft, with various hues of Wedgwood blue set against a warm ivory ground. The border retains the same palette, but with an intervening blue ground minor border to help delineate the field. Within the border lush vines like those of the field are adapted to a running design, interspersed with classical cartouches derived from classic Moghul Indian carpets and textiles. The luminous wool pile underscores the restrained luxurious tone of the design. Style: Agra Origin: India Size: 15 ft 09 in x 21 ft 07 in (4.80 m x 6.58 m)   « Less

Characteristically wide borders and multiple guardbands decorated with geometric variations of the traditional turtle pattern complement the central pattern. In the field,  More »

Characteristically wide borders and multiple guardbands decorated with geometric variations of the traditional turtle pattern complement the central pattern. In the field, checkered lozenges, protection symbols and geometric motifs form a constellated network around the central medallion, which features a series of lobed-extensions resembling legs. Angular branches and vines connect the symbolic motifs and flowers that decorate the exquisite aqua-blue field, which displays beautiful oxidation, while orange and taupe accents complete the classic Oushak color palette. Style: Oushak / Ushak Origin: Turkey Size: 9. ft 05 in x 11 ft 06 in (2.87 m x 3.51 m)   « Less

Antique Tabriz, Persia, late nineteenth centuryTrue to the Tabriz tradition, this elegant antique Persian carpet utilizes an elegant design of classical derivation, the  More »

Antique Tabriz, Persia, late nineteenth centuryTrue to the Tabriz tradition, this elegant antique Persian carpet utilizes an elegant design of classical derivation, the so-called Kerman vase-carpet pattern. Here a sinuous allover spiral vinescroll winds across the champagne gold field emitting a dazzling array of grand, stylized palmettes and delicate little flowers in shades of blue. A similar design comprises the main border, but set in contrast against a deep blue ground the nicely frames the field. Unlike the classical Kerman forerunner, however, here the palette is not so extensive or vibrant. Rather, it is soft and restrained, providing enormous decorative potential. Style: Tabriz Origin: Persia Size: 13 ft 07 in x 22 ft (4.14 m x 6.71 m)   « Less

Antique Oushak / Ushak, Turkey, late nineteenth century A classic allover pattern of sinuous palmettes in greens and paprika unfolds across the ivory ground of this  More »

Antique Oushak / Ushak, Turkey, late nineteenth century A classic allover pattern of sinuous palmettes in greens and paprika unfolds across the ivory ground of this outstanding antique Oushak. The border continues the design and coloration of the field, imparting a marvelous decorative consistency to the whole design. While Oushaks generally display a large-scale bold and angular drawing, this one, in contrast, has a finely wrought curvilinear sensibility in keeping with the finest classical forerunners. Style: Oushak / Ushak Origin: Turkey Size: 16 ft 03 in x 22 ft 02 in (4.95 m x 6.76 m)   « Less

Swedish Art Deco Tapestry Kilim Carpet, circa 1920Tapestry rugs or Rollakan have a long history in Swedish weaving, reaching right into the Modern period like this lovely  More »

Swedish Art Deco Tapestry Kilim Carpet, circa 1920Tapestry rugs or Rollakan have a long history in Swedish weaving, reaching right into the Modern period like this lovely example. Much of the field consists of simple blocks of color, some with geometric detail, reminiscent of the paintings of Mondrian and Klee. The central or interior border, however, combines these forms with simplified nautical pictorial elements. The soft palette of tans, earth tones, apricots, and cocoa set the geometry of the rug off to great effect. Style: Art Deco Origin: Scandinavia Size: 8. ft 03 in x 11 ft 07 in (2.51 m x 3.53 m)   « Less

Antique Indian Agra rug, late 19th century -The rich array or exquisitely drawn palmettes on this luxuriant antique Agra has essentally no linking vines or tendrils. The few  More »

Antique Indian Agra rug, late 19th century -The rich array or exquisitely drawn palmettes on this luxuriant antique Agra has essentally no linking vines or tendrils. The few intervening tiny garlands or wreaths with cloudbands are so subtle that they virtually disappear into the soft terracotta ground. As a result the palmettes seem to float loosely on air, an effect enhanced by their soft, cloud-like coloration in tones of pale lavender, ivory, green and yellow. More of these floating palmettes appear in the border, set against a delicate blue ground that deftly complements the terracotta field. Style: Agra Origin: India Size: 16 ft x 22 ft 11 in (4.88 m x 6.99 m)   « Less

Art Deco Carpet, French, circa 1920's - A series of concentric curves arc down diagonally across the surface in varied shades of tan on this stunning antique Deco. Curving  More »

Art Deco Carpet, French, circa 1920's - A series of concentric curves arc down diagonally across the surface in varied shades of tan on this stunning antique Deco. Curving deep red zig-zags move in sweeping counterpoint from the opposite side organizing and accenting the tan areas. The power and depth of this design are arresting, suggesting deep space and dynamic motion, with an asymmetrical thrust that is quintessentially modern and yet timelessly classic. Style: Art Deco Origin: France Size: 9. ft 06 in x 11 ft 07 in (2.90 m x 3.53 m)   « Less

44609 Antique Scandinavian, Sweden, early twentieth century - Strikingly modern and abstract in its appeal, this antique Swedish carpet has a tessellated design of stylized  More »

44609 Antique Scandinavian, Sweden, early twentieth century - Strikingly modern and abstract in its appeal, this antique Swedish carpet has a tessellated design of stylized vegetal and animal motifs. The various sections that comprise the tessellation are jogged on constantly shifting levels, giving the overall design a kinetic, dynamic quality. The outer rows of smaller elements comprise a border of sorts, as do the larger panels at the upper and lower ends. But the design is mostly free-form in its arrangement suggesting different levels in abstract space, much like the Modernist European painting of this period. Style: Region Specific Origin: Scandinavia Size: 7. ft 10 in x 11 ft 07 in (2.39 m x 3.53 m)   « Less

Antique Kerman rug from central Persia, circa 1900 - A dense mesh of finely wrought vines, flowers, palmettes, and cloudbands spreads gracefully across the soft apricot  More »

Antique Kerman rug from central Persia, circa 1900 - A dense mesh of finely wrought vines, flowers, palmettes, and cloudbands spreads gracefully across the soft apricot ground of this exquisitely rich antique Kerman. Much of this design is rendered in tones similar to the ground, so that only the details in shades of blue immediately show up, making a less complex, more open impression despite the richness of the design. The borders all reverse this color scheme in gold on blue, but there the ornament is so closely arranged that the blue ground is little more than an accenting outline for the pale apricot forms. The result is that the carpet appears to have a very uniform coloration and design texture, endowing it with a remarkable decorative effect. Style: Kerman Origin: Persia Size: 13 ft 06 in x 23 ft 09 in (4.11 m x 7.24 m)   « Less