Antique Bessarabian Russian Floral Allover Flatweave Wool Rug In Crimson – Circa 1920 BB9116 11'6" × 13'7" $38,000

This antique Bessarabian flat-woven wool rug, circa 1920, comes from the Russian weaving tradition of Bessarabia in Eastern Europe. Its folk-decorative character is immediately apparent in the open allover layout and balanced floral structure.

A vivid crimson ground sets the stage for a large central rose, surrounded by scrolling vinework and mirrored blossoms that unfold across the field. Golden tan, burnt orange, forest green, and slate-blue accents give the botanical motifs crisp definition, while the simplified drawing preserves the graphic clarity that makes Bessarabian rugs so appealing. The composition feels rhythmic rather than crowded, allowing the red background to breathe between the ornament.

A narrow floral border frames the design with quiet precision, echoing the field’s leafy cadence and reinforcing the rug’s traditional symmetry. Flat woven in wool, it offers a lighter, more flexible presence than a pile carpet, making it well suited to rooms that benefit from color, pattern, and a sense of historic texture.

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.