Agra Indian Antique Allover Soft Beige Hand-Knotted Wool Rug – Circa 1880 BB7441 5'0" × 9'0" $14,000

A captivating relic of the British Raj-era artistry, this antique Indian Agra rug, dating back to the 1880s, reflects the sophisticated fusion of Mughal opulence and refined British taste. Woven in the historic city of Agra—once a hub for elite carpet production under imperial patronage—this piece represents the peak of 19th-century North Indian textile excellence.

The rug’s expansive field is rendered in a stately ruby red, hosting a perfectly balanced allover pattern of grand palmettes, floral rosettes, and vinery in a sophisticated palette of ivory, rose quartz, saffron, blush, and soft sand. These motifs unfold in mirror symmetry around a notional vertical axis, creating a sense of structure while retaining an organic, flowing rhythm. The drawing is bold yet nuanced, emphasizing both clarity and movement.

A wide border of pistachio green provides a rich visual contrast, populated with stylized lotus blossoms and leafy arabesques in pastel hues. This outer frame is enclosed by multiple guards—each intricately articulated—adding further depth and cohesion to the composition. The artistry of this border work reveals the workshop’s deep familiarity with Persian prototypes while asserting an unmistakable Indian identity through the use of saturated color and exaggerated scale.

Hand-knotted using lustrous, high-quality wool, the rug’s pile remains deeply textural and sumptuous underfoot, exhibiting a time-softened patina that enhances its painterly appeal. Despite its age, the carpet remains in remarkable condition, a testament to the skill of its weavers and the integrity of its materials.

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.