Antique Persian Floral Allover Dusty Rose Hand-Knotted Wool Rug – Circa 17Th Century Esfahan BB8467 10'10" × 16'0" $100,000

This magnificent 17th-century Esfahan rug is a rare surviving example of Persian weaving artistry from the Safavid dynasty, a period celebrated for producing some of the finest carpets in history. Its grand dimensions and sophisticated composition attest to its original commission for a prominent palace or noble residence.

The field is a delicate, time-softened rose red, richly adorned with an intricate all-over pattern of stylized floral motifs, palmettes, and scrolling vines. These botanical elements are rendered in a refined palette of muted golds, soft blues, gentle greens, and deep indigo, harmonizing to create a sense of depth and movement. The precise symmetry and proportion of the design reflect the meticulous craftsmanship of master weavers in Isfahan’s royal workshops.

Encircling the field is a striking main border set against a midnight blue ground, densely decorated with interlacing arabesques, lotus blossoms, and palmette forms in rich terracotta, sky blue, and warm ochre. Narrow guard borders with floral meanders add further refinement and balance to the composition.

The rug’s surface bears the gentle wear of centuries, its softened tones and exposed foundation lending an ethereal patina that only age can bestow. Despite its age, the clarity of its design and the grace of its proportions remain undiminished, offering a tangible connection to the golden age of Persian textile art.

This antique Esfahan is not merely a floor covering but a work of art—an enduring testament to Safavid-era aesthetics, where courtly elegance, natural beauty, and technical mastery intertwined to produce some of the most exquisite carpets ever made.

A rare piece from the Doris Leslie Blau Collection, this rug exemplifies superior artistry and tradition. Doris Leslie Blau offers a broad and varied pricing spectrum, accommodating collectors and designers across a range of budgets—from modest vintage finds to rare, museum-worthy masterpieces.