Antique English Axminster Wool Rug BB8783 10'0" × 19'10" $75,000

A striking example of late 19th to early 20th-century English rug craftsmanship, this antique Axminster wool rug radiates opulence and vitality through its vivid palette and ornamental grandeur. Axminster rugs, synonymous with quality and sophistication, were prized for their lush textures and precision detailing, and this piece is no exception.

The rug features a bold crimson field, which serves as a rich canvas for an exuberant display of stylized floral motifs and elaborate paisley forms. At the center, a large medallion anchors the design, composed of intricate latticework and floral elements in warm gold, ivory, and olive hues. Oversized boteh (paisley) motifs gracefully extend outward, framing the center with symmetrical balance and movement.

The border composition is equally elaborate, with multiple guards enclosing a wide main band richly adorned with baroque-style palmettes and floral scrollwork in soft beige, warm camel, moss green, and muted red tones. The nuanced color palette adds warmth and depth while reinforcing the refined yet spirited aesthetic typical of Axminster’s Edwardian-era rugs.

Hand-knotted from high-quality wool, the rug boasts a dense, velvety pile, clearly visible in the close-up images showing crisp knotting and tight weave. The rug’s excellent craftsmanship ensures both durability and visual refinement, making it a standout collector’s item or a luxurious foundation for a formal interior.

This English Axminster rug reflects a confluence of Eastern-inspired patterning and Western elegance—a decorative testament to the cross-cultural influences that defined the British decorative arts at the turn of the 20th century.

Showcasing the finest materials and patterns, this design is part of the expansive Doris Leslie Blau collection, renowned for its rare and unique finds across a wide range of prices.