Antique Axminster English Floral Medallion Warm Tan Hand-Knotted Wool Carpet – Circa 1870 BB1316 14'4" × 15'6" $65,000

This stunning 1920s English Axminster rug captures the exuberance and craftsmanship characteristic of the finest British floor coverings of the early 20th century. A masterclass in color and form, this antique rug is a vibrant celebration of traditional English design reinterpreted with a bold, decorative flair.

At its center lies a radiant medallion featuring acanthus-like rosettes and foliate arabesques in rich golds, terra cottas, and apricots, all anchored on a light celadon-grey field. The surrounding motifs unfold in layers of meticulously sculpted scrolling patterns, vibrant floral sprays, and stylized cartouches, rendered in complementary tones of cobalt blue, ochre, coral, and chocolate brown. Each color is carefully balanced to heighten contrast and emphasize depth, a hallmark of Axminster’s sophisticated pile weaving.

The border is a true highlight—an elaborately framed arcade of floral rosettes and baroque palmettes alternates with curling leaf clusters in deep claret red, rust, ivory, and Persian blue. This rhythmic repetition creates a strong visual frame that brings harmony to the lush central composition.

Woven in wool on a cotton foundation, the rug displays a tight, durable weave, reflective of the high standards set by English carpet manufacturers of the era, particularly those influenced by the 18th-century Royal Axminster tradition.

A rare piece from the Doris Leslie Blau Collection, this rug exemplifies superior artistry and tradition. Doris Leslie Blau offers a broad and varied pricing spectrum, accommodating collectors and designers across a range of budgets—from modest vintage finds to rare, museum-worthy masterpieces.