Antique Bessarabian Russian Allover Cream Beige Hand-Knotted Wool Rug – Circa 1880 BB8925 11'8" × 12'4" $75,000

This antique square Bessarabian rug, woven circa 1880 in Bessarabia, reflects the Russian carpet tradition in a late-Victorian decorative register. Its wool construction gives the surface a crisp, tapestry-like character, well suited to the precise geometry of the design.

Rather than an open field, the composition is built from an allover lattice of oversized floral cartouches set against a cream-beige ground. Each blossom-filled reserve is linked by dark scrolling connectors, creating a rhythmic trellis that feels both orderly and ornate. The border deepens the contrast with curling black, brown, and pink accents, while scattered touches of rose, crimson, and ivory keep the pattern lively without overwhelming the softer background.

For designers seeking an antique rug with architectural clarity, this piece offers instant structure and warmth. Its balanced mix of botanical ornament and geometric repetition suits traditional, Arts and Crafts, or layered transitional interiors, where it can anchor a room with quiet formality and a distinctly Bessarabian accent.

A treasured piece from the expansive Doris Leslie Blau collection, this antique rug embodies the gallery's longstanding commitment to sourcing carpets of exceptional artistry and historical significance. DLB offers a vast selection of antique, vintage, and contemporary rugs, welcoming collectors and designers at every level.