Sultanabad Persian Antique Floral Allover Classic Taupe Hand-Knotted Wool Rug – Circa 1880 BB7190 13'4" × 21'0" $85,000

A rare and impressive example of 19th-century Persian weaving, this antique Sultanabad rug epitomizes the grandeur and graphic sophistication for which the region’s carpets are revered. Woven circa 1880, the piece boasts monumental proportions and an exceptionally well-balanced, symmetrical design anchored by twin central medallions, each formed by interlacing radiating vines and stylized rosettes.

The rich, brick-red field forms a warm foundation for the allover floral trellis motif, populated by bold, palmette-like blossoms, serrated leaves, and branching vinery in tones of ivory, sapphire, teal, and midnight blue. Each floral element seems to pulse with vitality, exuding the abstract dynamism characteristic of the best Sultanabad works of this era.

Enclosing the field is a spacious border system featuring a soft camel-toned ground decorated with large-scale palmettes, angular vinery, and rosettes in deep indigo, rust, and slate blue—elegantly framed by narrow, complementary guard borders. The contrast between the deeply saturated field and the delicate tonality of the borders is masterfully handled, lending a sense of lightness and framing to the composition.

Woven on a cotton foundation with hand-spun wool pile, this carpet reveals a supple handle and a dense weave, suggesting it was commissioned at a time when Persian workshops were catering to both domestic nobility and the burgeoning Western demand for decorative art objects.

This antique Sultanabad rug is not merely a floor covering but a statement of artistic achievement—bold in scale, refined in color, and resonant with the enduring elegance of Persian court aesthetics. Ideal for grand interiors seeking historical depth and vibrant ornamental 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.