Antique Floral Allover Ivory Beige Hand-Knotted Wool Rug – Circa 1750 18Th Century Flemish Tapestry With Floral Urns And Verdant Ornamentation BB8418 13'6" × 18'6" $200,000

This stunning Antique Flanders Tapestry from the mid-18th century, circa 1750, is a remarkable example of Flemish textile artistry, likely originating from one of the renowned weaving centers of Brussels or Oudenaarde.

The composition is a celebration of abundance and decorative harmony. At its core, the tapestry features four monumental urns, overflowing with lavish bouquets. These central floral arrangements are rendered with exquisite detailing and vibrant color gradations, capturing the lushness and variety of a baroque garden in full bloom. Interspersed between the large vases are smaller urns and floral vessels, creating a layered and rhythmic tapestry surface that evokes opulence without visual clutter.

The background is filled with interwoven vines, stylized leaves, and floral sprigs, all set against a light ground that enhances the depth and texture of the weaving. The colors—soft blues, earthy browns, verdant greens, and touches of coral and ochre—have gracefully mellowed with time, lending the piece a soft and romantic patina.

The border is elaborately designed, framing the central composition with garlands, urns, birds, and rosettes. Executed on a rich brown ground, it provides a warm contrast to the lighter inner field. The decorative scrolling and botanical elements of the border echo those within the central field, reinforcing the tapestry’s overall unity and ornate rhythm.

Woven in wool, the tapestry displays masterful craftsmanship. The precision in shading, the articulation of curves in the scrolls, and the rich yet balanced palette demonstrate the high standard of 18th-century Flemish looms. Close inspection reveals refined weft-faced weaving, with subtle variations in tension and thread thickness to create dynamic movement and texture.

This tapestry encapsulates the rococo fascination with nature, ornamentation, and classical forms. Urns, floral abundance, and symmetrical arrangements reflect the influence of French and Italian garden aesthetics, popular across the European aristocracy at the time. Intended as a wall hanging for a noble interior, the piece was both a decorative statement and a symbol of cultured taste and status.

Rich in heritage and artistry, this handmade rug exemplifies the high standards of Doris Leslie Blau’s curated pieces. With a wide range of prices, Doris Leslie Blau makes exceptional rugs accessible to collectors and designers alike.