Antique Sultanabad Persian Floral Allover Light Beige Hand-Knotted Wool Rug – Circa 1900 BB9074 11'4" × 13'3" $53,000

An arresting example of antique Persian craftsmanship, this early 20th-century Sultanabad rug epitomizes the harmonious balance of grand scale design and subtle tonal sophistication for which the finest pieces from this region are renowned. Woven circa 1900, the carpet draws the eye through an elegant lattice of curvilinear floral motifs and palmettes, gracefully arranged within a symmetric lozenge layout. The field, rendered in soft ivory, is gently animated by a restrained palette of wheat, sand, taupe, and faded steel blue—imbuing the rug with a painterly delicacy and aged character.

At once rhythmic and refined, the composition eschews dense ornamentation in favor of open spacing, giving the stylized botanical forms ample room to breathe. The meticulous design achieves a sense of effortless movement through alternating rows of serrated leaves, botehs, rosettes, and cloud bands, interspersed with faint vinery that whispers rather than shouts. The drawing retains a crispness that honors classical Persian aesthetics while foreshadowing the looser, decorative spirit later embraced in Western interiors.

A wide border in muted lapis and buff envelops the field in florid tracery, articulated with scrolling tendrils and abstract blossoms. The whole is executed in hand-knotted wool of exceptional handle and luster, now gracefully mellowed by time. Subtle abrash and gentle wear further enrich the surface with a depth and authenticity only achievable through a century of history.

Ideal for grounding a room with understated grandeur, this antique Sultanabad offers both visual poetry and enduring artistry—a masterclass in the timeless appeal of Persian rug design.

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.