Antique Kirman Persian Floral Allover Warm Tan Hand-Knotted Wool Rug – Circa 1900 BB9025 11'4" × 11'9" $75,000

This early-20th-century Persian Kirman rug, dating to around 1910, is a refined example of the region’s celebrated weaving tradition—valued for its soft handling of color, lyrical drawing, and balanced sense of ornamentation. The rug’s palette is composed of warm sand, muted camel, faded apricot, and gentle denim-blue, all softened by a century of natural wear that gives the surface a beautifully washed, time-tempered patina.

At its heart lies a large, softly contoured medallion, formed through a network of stepped, interlocking cartouches. These shapes—hallmarks of Kirman design—contain traces of stylized floral sprays, palmettes, and delicate vinery, rendered in a manner that now appears almost ghostlike, as if the motifs drift just beneath the surface. The abrashed field shifts subtly from light gold to palest beige, enhancing the sense of age and atmospheric depth.

The borders present a more defined visual rhythm. Multiple bands frame the composition. The main border of angular, pear-shaped boteh motifs—a classical Kirman emblem of fertility and protection—drawn in a crisp denim blue. Flanked by narrower floral meander stripes, which animate the perimeter with a playful counterpoint of blossoms and rosettes. Together, these create a harmonious balance between structure and softness.

The rug’s overall impression is one of quiet elegance. Its worn, almost watercolor-like appearance underscores its authenticity, inviting the viewer to appreciate not only the craftsmanship of its original weaver but also the poetic passage of time. This Kirman carpet would lend understated beauty to interiors seeking history, subtlety, and the natural refinement found only in antique Persian textiles.

This rug from the Doris Leslie Blau Collection is not only a collectible statement of refined taste and exceptional craftsmanship—it is also a rare survival of the modernist movement as interpreted through Persian textile 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.