Antique Turkish Medallion Warm Tan With Brown Hand-Knotted Wool Carpet – Circa 1900 BB5597 15'8" × 19'3" $130,000

An exquisite example of early 20th-century Anatolian artistry, this oversized antique Turkish Borlou rug epitomizes the refined elegance and masterful craftsmanship of Turkish weaving heritage. Woven circa 1900, it hails from Borlou (also spelled Balıkesir), a region famed for its luxurious rugs that marry Ottoman aesthetic sensibilities with Western influences.

At the heart of the composition is a grand medallion-style layout, softly diffused into the field to create an understated yet regal focal point. The rug features a harmonious arrangement of floral sprays, palmettes, vine-scrolls, rosettes, and stylized leafy tendrils, all delicately rendered in a tone-on-tone palette.

What sets this Borlou apart is the subtle play between symmetry and fluidity: circular medallions at the center and in the quadrants are balanced by naturalistic botanical motifs that stretch and meander across the open field. The border, with its garland-like elements, small birds, and floral rosettes, creates a graceful visual frame, imbuing the rug with a sense of completeness and serenity.

The rug is woven in a palette of warm camel, sand, pale taupe, and soft beige, creating a sun-washed, antique patina that feels both stately and inviting. The muted hues lend it a versatile elegance, ideal for both traditional and contemporary interiors.

Hand-knotted using high-grade wool, the pile has aged gracefully, maintaining the integrity of its structure and design. The fine weave and nuanced detailing—especially visible in the border birds, crowned urns, and intricate rosettes—showcase the exceptional skill of the weavers.

This rug is part of the esteemed Doris Leslie Blau collection, renowned for its curated selection of antique, vintage, and contemporary rugs. 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.