Antique Sultanabad Persian Allover Floral Pale Sand Hand-Knotted Wool Carpet – Circa 1880 BB4642 12'2" × 18'0" $60,000

This 19th-century Persian Sultanabad rug, dating back to the 1880s, is an exquisite example of the region’s celebrated artistry and large-scale design tradition. Handwoven with remarkable craftsmanship, it embodies the bold yet harmonious aesthetics that made Sultanabad carpets some of the most coveted in Europe and America during the late 19th century.

The rug’s expansive field is adorned with a grand allover botanical pattern, featuring stylized palmettes, angular blossoms, and floral rosettes arranged in rhythmic symmetry. Rendered in a refined palette of earthy browns, deep indigo blues, muted teal, ivory, and soft terracotta accents, the design achieves both visual depth and understated elegance. The subtle abrashed tones—naturally occurring variations in color due to hand-dyeing—add character and movement to the composition, enhancing its antique charm.

Framing the field is a series of multi-layered borders enriched with rosettes, leafy vines, and geometric floral motifs. The main border, generously proportioned, provides a striking contrast with its more defined ornaments and balanced spacing, offering a sense of structure to the lush interior design.

Woven from high-quality wool, the rug possesses a dense, supple pile that has gracefully aged over nearly a century and a half. Its large format makes it ideal for anchoring a grand interior, while its timeless palette ensures versatility in both traditional and modern settings.

This antique Sultanabad is not only a decorative centerpiece but also a historical textile, reflecting the artistry and cultural significance of Persian weaving in the 19th century.

A rare piece from the Doris Leslie Blau Collection, this rug exemplifies superior artistry and tradition. Doris Leslie Blau offers a broad and varied pricing spectrum, accommodating collectors and designers across a range of budgets—from modest vintage finds to rare, museum-worthy masterpieces.