Antique Tabriz Persian Floral Allover Cream Beige Hand-Knotted Wool Carpet – Circa 1880 BB9015 9'4" × 13'1" $40,000

This Antique Persian Tabriz rug, dating to circa 1880, is an exceptional example of the city’s celebrated weaving tradition—distinguished by its refined drawing, architectural structure, and richly layered botanical ornament. Rendered in a warm, time-softened palette of terracotta, parchment, taupe, cocoa, and muted sage, the rug now carries the gentle patina and tonal depth that only a century-and-a-half of aging can produce, giving the entire composition a quiet, atmospheric beauty.

Across the field unfolds an intricate, interlaced garden of scrolling vines, palmettes, and stylized blossoms, arranged with remarkable balance and fluency. The design forms a rhythmic lattice of elongated tendrils and branching floral sprays, each articulated with delicate outlines and subtle shading. Though densely patterned, the rug maintains an elegant sense of movement: the motifs seem to rise and recede softly across the terracotta ground, creating a layered, almost tapestry-like effect.

A series of impressively drawn borders frames the central field, each executed with the meticulous precision for which Tabriz weavers are renowned. The main border is particularly striking, featuring alternating cypress trees, flowering shrubs, and stylized garden elements—motifs deeply rooted in Persian visual culture and symbolic of harmony, abundance, and the garden of paradise. Narrow guard stripes, adorned with diminutive rosettes and scrolling vine tracery, add refinement and structure to the composition.

The rug’s sophisticated palette—now gently faded to harmonious earth tones—enhances the drawing’s subtlety. Soft gradients within the blossoms, vines, and latticework lend depth and warmth, while the delicate outlines in espresso and sepia tones anchor the overall design. The interplay of color and linework creates a sense of quiet grandeur, perfectly suited to interiors seeking historic richness without overwhelming visual weight.

Woven with high-quality wool and the disciplined knotting characteristic of 19th-century Tabriz workshops, this rug exemplifies the artistry and technical excellence that made the city one of Persia’s foremost weaving centers. Its elegance, scale, and beautifully aged patina make it a distinguished choice for collectors and designers alike—an enduring testament to the refinement of Persian textile tradition.

This rug from the Doris Leslie Blau Collection is not only a collectible statement of refined taste and exceptional craftsmanship—it is also a rare survival of the modernist movement as interpreted through Persian textile 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.