Indian Antique Allover Floral Warm Tan Hand-Knotted Wool Rug – Circa 1920 BB3137 12'8" × 19'10" $95,000

A striking testament to early 20th-century Indian craftsmanship, this antique carpet from North India circa 1920 captures the region’s refined aesthetic sensibilities and masterful weaving tradition. Richly patterned yet tastefully restrained, the rug showcases a mesmerizing latticework field of stylized floral motifs in harmonious shades of carnelian red, deep aubergine, saffron, indigo, and soft camel. The repeating botanical design is arranged in a diamond trellis format that lends rhythm and cohesion to the overall composition, drawing the eye effortlessly across the surface.

Framing this vibrant floral field is a series of ornate borders, each layered with its own rhythm of motifs—ranging from rosettes and vine-scrolls to abstracted palmettes and architectural flourishes—all rendered with the same crisp clarity and saturated vegetable-dyed tones. Particularly captivating is the main border, which features a rare and playful sequence of repeating stylized flora flanked by narrow guard stripes filled with charming flowerheads and delicate angular vinery.

Woven from hand-spun wool, the pile retains its supple texture and natural sheen, providing both aesthetic beauty and tactile warmth. The dye palette, vibrant yet earthy, reflects a nuanced understanding of natural color harmonies unique to antique North Indian rugs of this period. Its large scale and allover pattern make it ideal for anchoring grand spaces, from formal dining rooms to contemporary open-plan interiors.

This carpet is more than a decorative piece; it’s a living artifact that bridges India’s rich Mughal-influenced textile history with early 20th-century Western tastes, particularly the demand for refined yet exotic pieces that rose among European and American collectors in the colonial era.

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.