Antique Bessarabian Russian Allover Floral Cream Flatweave Wool Rug – Circa 1880 BB7594 7'0" × 11'2" $20,000

Handwoven in Bessarabia, Russia, circa 1880, this antique flatweave wool rug captures the airy elegance of a regional textile tradition known for its floral imagery and graceful symmetry. Its room-size format and open composition lend it the character of a collectible antique carpet with an unusually light, decorative presence.

A deep navy field sets the stage for scattered floral bouquets arranged in a measured allover rhythm. Pale blue, cream, soft peach, and warm camel motifs bring the surface to life, while a small oval medallion at the center provides a quiet focal point. The broad cream border, worked with looping vine forms and stylized blossoms, frames the interior with a folk-art sensibility.

What gives the rug its appeal is the balance between structure and spontaneity: the dark ground adds depth, yet the spacing of the motifs preserves a sense of airiness. As an antique Russian Bessarabian rug, it offers the refined texture of flatweave construction and a palette that feels both historic and remarkably versatile.

Part of Doris Leslie Blau's grand collection, this antique rug embodies the rich heritage and refined craftsmanship that define the world's most exceptional carpets. Established in 1965, Doris Leslie Blau has earned an international reputation for curating rare and important rugs spanning centuries of design history.