Antique Axminster English Floral Medallion Warm Tan Hand-Knotted Wool Rug – Circa 1880 BB7614 12'2" × 15'0" $85,000

A masterclass in 19th-century English textile artistry, this exceptional Axminster rug from the 1880s showcases the elegance and craftsmanship characteristic of the Victorian era. Rendered in a rich chocolate brown field, the rug features a complex lattice design of interlocking floral motifs in shades of rose pink, buttercream, soft blue, and gold. Each flower is set within a crisply defined diamond trellis, creating a striking all-over pattern that offers both structure and decorative finesse.

At the center, a grand medallion radiates like a sunburst, drawing the eye with alternating amber and ivory rays that encircle a stylized rosette on a crimson ground. This medallion is bordered by a garland of vines and acanthus leaves in leafy greens and celadon, enhancing the classical refinement of the design.

The frame is equally ornate, featuring scrolling cartouches and floral sprays in pastel tones set against an ivory ground. Fleur-de-lis motifs anchor the corners in vibrant red and blue, reinforcing the rug’s regal sensibility. A small-scale floral chain guard border adds the final note of visual rhythm.

Woven entirely in wool, this hand-crafted carpet offers a plush texture and enduring quality. Its vivid palette and ornamental precision exemplify the legacy of English Axminster weaving at its height—ideal for both traditional interiors and more eclectic, layered spaces.

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.