Antique Persian Floral Allover Warm Tan Hand-Knotted Wool Carpet – Circa 1880 (Size Adjusted) BB3931 14'5" × 19'5" $50,000

This exquisite Oversized Antique Persian Bidjar Rug, woven circa 1880, is a striking testament to the artistic depth and structural resilience for which Bidjar carpets are famed. Crafted with exceptional skill in northwest Iran, this piece blends traditional Persian opulence with bold visual drama, making it an extraordinary example of 19th-century weaving mastery.

This majestic rug commands attention through its lavish interplay of color and floral motifs. A deep midnight blue field anchors the composition, providing a rich contrast to the broad, scrolling floral medallions rendered in soft terracottas, coral reds, muted rusts, and washed blues. The painterly quality of the florals evokes a sense of depth and fluidity, suggesting movement within a highly structured format.

Framing the field is an intricate border system featuring a broad navy main border of palmettes, rosettes, and interlacing vines, flanked by multiple guard bands adorned with delicate sprays of flowering shrubs and foliage. The border design balances botanical elegance with architectural precision, offering a refined counterpoint to the more painterly interior.

Hand-knotted from high-quality wool on a sturdy cotton foundation, this Bidjar is a perfect example of the so-called “iron rugs of Persia” — known for their weight, density, and remarkable durability. The weaving technique, involving tightly packed knots and wefts, creates a substantial and resilient pile that has allowed this piece to retain both its structure and aesthetic brilliance for well over a century.

Despite its age, the rug’s colors remain rich, and the floral patterns retain their graceful clarity, evidencing careful preservation and the use of natural vegetable dyes that age with distinction.

Whether used to anchor a formal space or displayed as a statement piece in a grand interior, this 19th-century Bidjar rug offers enduring beauty and historical resonance — a museum-worthy textile that speaks to the enduring legacy of Persian craftsmanship.

Rich in heritage and artistry, this handmade rug exemplifies the high standards of Doris Leslie Blau’s curated pieces. With a wide range of prices, Doris Leslie Blau makes exceptional rugs accessible to collectors and designers alike.