Antique Amritsar Indian Medallion Soft Beige Hand-Knotted Wool Rug – Circa 1880 BB7723 12'8" × 23'2" $100,000

This 19th-century Indian Amritsar rug, circa 1880, is a stunning example of North India’s rich weaving tradition, merging Persian-inspired motifs with the artistic flair of Amritsar workshops. The piece demonstrates both grandeur in scale and refinement in execution, perfectly suited for a great hall, gallery, or formal interior.

The rug is centered by a large medallion enclosed within a finely articulated latticework of scrolling arabesques and palmettes. The medallion is softened by delicate floral flourishes and interlacing vines, providing an elegant focal point against the expansive open field. Surrounding the medallion, the field is filled with soft botanical tracery, including blossoming rosettes, stylized vines, and feathery tendrils. Subtle animal motifs and delicate ornamental details also emerge upon close inspection, testifying to the high artistry of its weavers.

The main border showcases a repeating palmette and floral motif, framed by inner and outer guard borders of rhythmic rosettes and angular vine scrolls. This layered structure gives the rug visual balance and a sense of enclosure.

The palette is rendered in warm, faded terracotta and cinnamon tones, offset by ivory, beige, and soft camel hues. The subtle abrashed variation in dyes gives the carpet a painterly effect, adding depth and character. Over its nearly 150 years, the rug has mellowed beautifully, now exhibiting the soft patina of age that only antique vegetable-dyed wool can achieve.

Hand-knotted in high-quality wool, the rug maintains a luxurious texture with a dense yet supple pile. The artisans of Amritsar were known for adapting Persian designs while infusing them with a uniquely Indian sensibility—lighter, more spacious compositions that feel less rigid than their Persian counterparts.

This antique Amritsar rug exemplifies the fusion of Persian-inspired floral artistry and Indian craftsmanship, offering timeless elegance. Its large scale and refined palette make it an ideal choice for interiors that demand both sophistication and warmth. Beyond its decorative value, it is a true collectible piece representing the golden era of Indian rug weaving in the late 19th century.

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.