Antique Karabagh, Caucasus, late nineteenth centuryScalloped medallions in pairs alternate with large palmettes down the field of this impressive antique Karabagh.  More »

Antique Karabagh, Caucasus, late nineteenth centuryScalloped medallions in pairs alternate with large palmettes down the field of this impressive antique Karabagh. Smaller geometric motifs or rosettes fill in the surrounding space. The colors of the medallions - soft apricot, gold and ivory with red accents – are especially beautiful against the variegated blue ground. Vinescroll main and minor borders repeat the colors of the field medallions, nicely unifying the entire effect of the rug. The drawing is crisp and precise, but also spontaneous, the hallmark of the best Karabagh village rugs. Style: Karabagh Origin: Caucasus Size: 3. ft 08 in x 10 ft 06 in (1.12 m x 3.20 m)   « Less

Antique Indian velvet Textile, nineteenth centuryThis sumptuous antique Indian velvet textile is based upon the silk twill textiles of the early Byzantine and early Umayyad  More »

Antique Indian velvet Textile, nineteenth centuryThis sumptuous antique Indian velvet textile is based upon the silk twill textiles of the early Byzantine and early Umayyad or Islamic periods. The pattern of circular medallions or roundels with figural equestrian hunting scenes of this kind was originally Sassanian Persian. During the sixth and seventh centuries such Sassanian silks were imitated by the workshops in Constantinople, and they continued to be made in Persia under Early Islamic or Umayyad rule in the eighth century. Here the design is adapted to the velvet technique used by the Ottoman Turks and Safavid Persians in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. As such the piece is eclectic, but it reproduces the luxuriousness and elegance of the various prototypes with remarkable fidelity and technical mastery. Style: Region Specific Origin: India Size: 2. ft 02 in x 2. ft 06 in (0.66 m x 0.76 m)   « Less

Antique Kirshehir Turkish Rug, late nineteenth century - This striking antique Kirshehir has two vertical columns of stylized palmettes in pale blue, black, and ivory forms  More »

Antique Kirshehir Turkish Rug, late nineteenth century - This striking antique Kirshehir has two vertical columns of stylized palmettes in pale blue, black, and ivory forms to either side of a central tree or trunk, all against a rich red ground. Niches derived from classical Turkish prayer rugs enclose the field at either end. Elegant curling vinescroll borders in ivory, red, apricot, and black provide a structured framing balance for the floating pattern effects of the field, but echoing the same array of colors. Style: Kirshehir Origin: Turkey Size: 3. ft 05 in x 11 ft 04 in (1.04 m x 3.45 m)   « Less

Antique French Tapestry, 19th century In this exquisite little antique French tapestry two female figures interact amidst a lush, pastoral landscape in a scene drawn from  More »

Antique French Tapestry, 19th century In this exquisite little antique French tapestry two female figures interact amidst a lush, pastoral landscape in a scene drawn from classical mythology or allegory. One figure kneels and receives a butterfly from another standing figure who holds a butterfly net across her shoulder, while a second butterfly hovers between them. The figures could be Cupid's beloved, Psyche, and Cupid's mother, Venus, whom Psyche had initially failed to honor properly. Here they are reconciled, and the butterflies which symbolized the soul in classical lore, are a reference to Psyche, whose name means soul in Greek. The myth with its neo-Platonic implications remained popular in the classical tradition down to modern times. The drawing and softly colored, painterly quality of this piece are incomparable, as is the fine, delicate weave. Style: Tapestry Origin: France Size: 1. ft 05 in x 2. ft 01 in (0.43 m x 0.64 m)   « Less

Style: Kazak Origin: Caucasus Size: 3. ft 03 in x 11 ft 05 in (0.99 m x 3.48 m)

Style: Kazak Origin: Caucasus Size: 3. ft 03 in x 11 ft 05 in (0.99 m x 3.48 m)   « Less

Style: Tapestry Origin: France Size: 3. ft 02 in x 3. ft 08 in (0.97 m x 1.12 m)

Style: Tapestry Origin: France Size: 3. ft 02 in x 3. ft 08 in (0.97 m x 1.12 m)   « Less

Antique French Tapestry, nineteenth centuryA genre scene of the hunt is the subject of this charming antique French tapestry. While this subject is traditionally treated as  More »

Antique French Tapestry, nineteenth centuryA genre scene of the hunt is the subject of this charming antique French tapestry. While this subject is traditionally treated as an action theme focused on the hunters themselves, this extraordinary example concentrates on the dogs and, strikingly, in a moment of repose set in a marsh. Behind the dogs a hunting horn and sword hang from a tree, and a hunting pickax lies on the ground before them. The signature of the artist, not otherwise known, is in the lower left corner. The coloration in soft earthen tones and rusts gives the piece considerable decorative potential. Style: Tapestry Origin: France Size: 3. ft 07 in x 4. ft 11 in (1.09 m x 1.50 m)   « Less

This Serapi carpet features a series of stacked lozenges with lobed extensions and strongly defined hooks. Trifoliate Tree of Life motifs, combs, amulets and various  More »

This Serapi carpet features a series of stacked lozenges with lobed extensions and strongly defined hooks. Trifoliate Tree of Life motifs, combs, amulets and various protection symbols decorate the lozenge medallions while geometric human figures, birds and animals accent the camel-colored field. Striped guardbands along with white borders filled with reciprocating stars and hash-mark vinescrolls complete this geometric Serapi carpet. Style: Serab Origin: Persia Size: 3. ft 04 in x 11 ft 10 in (1.02 m x 3.61 m)   « Less

Style: Tapestry Origin: England Size: 1. ft 08 in x 3. ft 10 in (0.51 m x 1.17 m)

Style: Tapestry Origin: England Size: 1. ft 08 in x 3. ft 10 in (0.51 m x 1.17 m)   « Less

Antique Khirgiz Felt Long Rug - Few nomadic carpets have the boldness and graphic power of this extraordinary antique Khirgiz felt applique. A monumental long medallion with  More »

Antique Khirgiz Felt Long Rug - Few nomadic carpets have the boldness and graphic power of this extraordinary antique Khirgiz felt applique. A monumental long medallion with finials occupies most of the field with hooked cornerpieces at each end, all defined by a wine red outline against a tan field. A thin vinescroll border encloses the composition. A fine irregular mesh of tiny circles covers the entire design, adding to its animated, kinetic quality. It is surrounded yet again by a neutral open field, which makes the design appear to float freely in space. Style: Chinese Origin: Central Asia Size: 3. ft 05 in x 12 ft 05 in (1.04 m x 3.78 m)   « Less