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

Antique Karabagh, Caucasus, circa 1900 The antique Karabagh rugs of the Caucasus generally maintained the traditions of Turkish or Northwest Persian village rug weaving,  More »

Antique Karabagh, Caucasus, circa 1900 The antique Karabagh rugs of the Caucasus generally maintained the traditions of Turkish or Northwest Persian village rug weaving, but at times they reflect western rug design. This suavely elegant Karabagh adapts the classical style and naturalism of French Aubusson and Savonnerie carpets, with its windblown sprays of pale golden leafy branches and rose stems repeating symmetrically against a rich aubergine ground. The simple narrow abstract scroll border is classic Karabagh, and here it provides a perfect foil for the grander scale and naturalism of the field. Size: 3. ft 06 in x 15 ft 01 in (1.07 m x 4.60 m)   « Less

Antique Persian Tabriz, circa 1920's - While the field of this Tabriz displays a classic pattern with finialed medallion and cornerpieces, they are barely discernible amidst  More »

Antique Persian Tabriz, circa 1920's - While the field of this Tabriz displays a classic pattern with finialed medallion and cornerpieces, they are barely discernible amidst the rich floral detail of the overall carpet in uniform tones of sand and pale cocoa. The wool seems to glow with a velvety texture and luster appropriate to the warm, buttery coloration. This play of subtle variation extends right into the borders, which are only distinguishable from the field by their linear edges. Size: 9. ft 04 in x 15 ft 03 in (2.84 m x 4.65 m)   « Less

Antique Karabagh rug, late nineteenth century - Karabaghs are the only antique rugs of the Caucasus that sometimes display designs of European derivation, like this  More »

Antique Karabagh rug, late nineteenth century - Karabaghs are the only antique rugs of the Caucasus that sometimes display designs of European derivation, like this magnificent example. Remarkably life-like sprays of leaves and flowers in pastel apricot tones float rhythmically across the antique black ground. Long garlands of similar flowers on a red ground comprise the border, providing a contrasting yet unified effect with the field. Size: 8. ft 04 in x 15 ft 03 in (2.54 m x 4.65 m)   « Less

Antique Kazvin, Persia, early twentieth centuryFlowering shrubs and vines in shades of blue and ivory repeat symmetrically across the soft terracotta field of this elegant  More »

Antique Kazvin, Persia, early twentieth centuryFlowering shrubs and vines in shades of blue and ivory repeat symmetrically across the soft terracotta field of this elegant antique Kazvin. The border reworks the field elements into a vinescroll pattern, but set against a blue ground that effectively contrasts and frames the field. The plush, luminous pile reinforces the luxuriant aura of the design. Size: 8. ft 04 in x 15 ft 06 in (2.54 m x 4.72 m)   « Less