Antique Kirman Persian Floral Allover Warm Tan With Dark Gray Hand-Knotted Wool Rug – Circa 1920 BB9026 11'8" Ã— 14'7" $65,000

This exquisite Antique Persian Kirman rug, dating to circa 1920, is a superb example of the region’s celebrated artistry—marked by delicacy of line, lyrical flora, and an unmistakable elegance that only Kirman weaving can achieve. Rendered in a soft, tonal palette of parchment, wheat, and gentle indigo, the rug’s palette has mellowed over time into a serene wash of color, giving the entire composition an atmospheric, almost watercolor-like quality.

At the center of the rug unfolds an intricately layered garden tableau, articulated through finely drawn palmettes, pendant blossoms, undulating leaf tendrils, and charming boteh-like floral sprigs arranged in rhythmic vertical sequences. The design is airy yet richly detailed: clusters of blossoms float like botanical constellations, while scrolling vines form graceful, symmetrical arches that guide the eye gently across the field.

A sequence of multiple borders, each meticulously executed, frames the composition. The main border features elegant rows of stylized blooms and palmettes, flanked by narrow guard stripes composed of petite rosettes and delicate vine tracery. Subtle asymmetries—hallmarks of hand-drawn Kirman cartoons—add personality and authenticity to the piece.

Though now softened by a century of graceful aging, the drawing remains crisp, particularly the deep indigo outlines, which articulate every petal, tendril, and leaf. These lines create a beautiful contrast against the warm, gently striated field, offering a quiet but unmistakable sense of refinement. The rug’s patina, wear, and softened tones enhance its poetic character, elevating it beyond mere décor and into the realm of collectible textile art.

Measuring generously and woven with high-grade wool, this Kirman rug brings with it not only the aesthetic sophistication of early 20th-century Persian craftsmanship but also the sense of serenity and romance that defines the best examples from the region. It is an ideal choice for collectors, connoisseurs, and interiors seeking a piece of graceful historic presence—one that complements both traditional and contemporary decor with effortless harmony.

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.