Oversized Antique Indian Floral Allover Soft Beige Hand-Knotted Wool Rug – Circa 1920 BB5160 15'10" × 32'4" $220,000

Exuding timeless sophistication and masterful craftsmanship, this oversized antique Indian rug from the 1920s is a remarkable example of the refined artistry characteristic of early 20th-century Indian weaving. This botanical carpet was likely woven in Agra or a similar prestigious Indian weaving center, renowned for producing high-quality rugs with Persian-inspired elegance.

The carpet features an expansive, allover botanical design that showcases an intricate network of stylized palmettes, rosettes, scrolling vines, and flowering branches. These motifs are rendered in a soft, earthy palette dominated by sandy beige, camel, dusty rose, and muted turquoise, providing a serene and sophisticated aesthetic.

Floral medallions are artfully dispersed throughout the field, connected by delicate vine scrolls that lend a sense of rhythm and cohesion to the expansive composition. The refined border echoes the interior theme with ornate botanical patterns and palmettes, framed by guard stripes that enhance the visual balance.

The subtle yet complex coloration of this rug reflects a masterful command of vegetable dyes. Muted taupes and ivories intermingle with nuanced blue-greens and terracottas to produce a weathered patina that only decades of careful aging can provide. This aged look is not only a testament to its vintage origins but also contributes to its rich, heirloom character.

Woven entirely by hand using high-grade wool pile on a cotton foundation, the rug boasts remarkable durability and a luxurious feel underfoot. The dense weave and even shear reflect the high standards of craftsmanship found in the finest Indian carpets of the period. Despite its monumental size, the rug maintains exceptional detail and clarity in design—indicative of the weavers’ meticulous artistry.

A rare piece from the Doris Leslie Blau Collection, this rug exemplifies superior artistry and tradition. This exquisite antique rug, sourced from Doris Leslie Blau, showcases a rare blend of history and craftsmanship.