Antique Meshad Persian Allover Warm Tan Hand-Knotted Wool Carpet – Circa 1920 BB8556 8'10" × 10'5" $43,000

This 1920s antique Persian Tabriz rug is a captivating example of the artistry and narrative richness for which Tabriz weavings are celebrated. Woven in the famed northwestern Persian city, this piece features a warm, terra-cotta field alive with intricate figural and botanical motifs arranged in a balanced, symmetrical layout.

At its heart, a stylized “Tree of Life” unfurls gracefully, its branches laden with delicate blossoms and foliage, while pairs of birds perch serenely among the branches. Around them roam an enchanting menagerie—lions, deer, tigers, camels, and elephants—each rendered with remarkable charm and character. The detailed animal depictions are interspersed with floral sprays, lending the composition a harmonious blend of vitality and elegance.

The border design is equally engaging, with a wide, soft-blue band populated by playful narrative vignettes: lions facing deer amid flowering plants, seated anthropomorphic animals holding blossoms, and exotic birds. These storytelling elements are framed by finely drawn guard borders with floral and geometric patterns, executed in a soothing palette of dusty rose, powder blue, ivory, soft camel, and muted indigo.

Meticulously hand-knotted in fine wool, the rug reflects the superb craftsmanship and aesthetic sophistication of early 20th-century Tabriz weaving, offering both decorative beauty and cultural depth. Its preserved patina and subtle abrash enhance its antique charm, making it not only a floor covering but also a piece of Persian textile history.

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.