Elegant Indian Antique Floral Allover Ivory Hand-Knotted Wool Rug – Circa 1900 BB8422 10'5" × 13'7" $18,000

A richly expressive antique Indian rug from the early 20th century, is a remarkable example of the region’s embrace of Persianate elegance infused with bold color and playful symmetry. Woven circa 1900, this carpet exhibits a vivid all-over pattern, meticulously organized into horizontal rows of stylized palmettes and tribal-like rosettes, arranged against a warm cocoa-brown field. Each motif is crisply delineated in a complementary palette of carnelian red, Persian blue, ivory, and saffron, lending a dynamic energy to the composition.

What sets this piece apart is its confident use of color and shape—a rhythmic play between jagged floral medallions and angular foliage, rendered with geometric charm. The chocolate-hued ground enhances the vibrancy of the accent colors, allowing each motif to pop with clarity and individuality, while the symmetrical layout imparts a strong sense of structure and balance.

A striking wide border encircles the field with a series of stylized flowering vines and repeating tree-of-life motifs on a brilliant lapis-blue ground, framed by multiple contrasting guard borders in black, red, and tan. The effect is both commanding and cheerful—perfectly marrying sophistication with folk exuberance.

Hand-knotted in wool, this rug remains in beautiful condition and is emblematic of Indian craftsmanship during the colonial period, when Mughal and Persian influences were reinterpreted through a distinctly local lens.

Whether used as a grounding element in a traditional interior or as a bold statement piece in a contemporary space, this antique Indian rug offers a rare combination of historical charm, artistic vigor, and enduring beauty.

As part of the curated collection at Doris Leslie Blau, a brand celebrated for its dedication to quality and design heritage, this rug exemplifies their commitment to originality and artisanry. Doris Leslie Blau offers a vast selection of antique, vintage, and contemporary rugs in a wide range of styles, materials, and price points, making fine textile art accessible to both collectors and designers alike.