Antique Kirman Persian Allover Pale Sand Hand-Knotted Wool Rug – Circa 1880 BB7270 11'9" × 16'0" $85,000

A masterwork of Persian textile artistry, this circa 1880 Kirman rug represents the opulent tradition of the Kerman weaving centers at their height during the Qajar dynasty. The carpet commands attention with its lavish design language, exquisite color palette, and fine craftsmanship—all hallmarks of high-style 19th-century Persian Kirman production.

The field is a mesmerizing tapestry of botanical abundance, unfolding through a complex, mirrored latticework of palmettes, acanthus leaves, flowering vases, and blossoming shrubs. This allover pattern is rhythmically arranged within a delicate cartouche-like framework, suggesting a garden of paradise captured in still motion. The design exhibits remarkable symmetry and balance, typical of the Kirman aesthetic, while offering subtle improvisations that betray the hand of the artisan.

A regal palette of earthy saffron, pale camel, muted jade, smoky teal, and indigo blue imbues the composition with restrained richness. These tones have mellowed beautifully with age, achieving the patina and tonal harmony sought after by collectors and connoisseurs alike. The deep indigo border, adorned with rosettes, saz leaves, and scrolling vinery, frames the inner field like a jeweled enclosure.

Woven in wool on a cotton foundation, the rug’s tight knotting and clarity of detail speak to the highly skilled workshop from which it likely originated. Its elongated format and classical proportions would have suited a reception hall, salon, or princely residence.

Today, this exceptional antique Kirman endures not only as a decorative statement but as a historical document—an artifact of enduring beauty and cultivated taste. It is a piece that invites both scholarly admiration and aesthetic contemplation.

As part of the curated collection at Doris Leslie Blau, a brand celebrated for its dedication to quality and design heritage, this rug exemplifies their commitment to originality and artisanry. Doris Leslie Blau offers a vast selection of antique, vintage, and contemporary rugs in a wide range of styles, materials, and price points, making fine textile art accessible to both collectors and designers alike.