Antique 19th Century European Needlepoint Rug BB8513 10'0" × 18'0" $50,000

This exquisite European needlepoint rug from the 1880s is a remarkable testament to the refined artistry and craftsmanship of late 19th-century decorative textiles. Handwoven with meticulous attention to detail, this piece exemplifies the romantic floral elegance typical of the Victorian era, blending naturalistic motifs with baroque opulence.

Woven in wool on a sturdy foundation, the rug features a dramatic all-over floral arrangement that spills across the surface in a lush, painterly composition. The central field is framed by sinuous borders adorned with delicate garlands and scrolling acanthus leaves, creating an immersive botanical tapestry. Rosy peonies, scarlet dahlias, powder blue thistles, and soft ivory blooms burst to life, accentuated by rich olive and sepia-toned foliage.

Perhaps most intriguing is the serpentine leopard-print ribbon rendered in warm golden ochre with crimson edges, meandering playfully through the composition—an unusual and whimsical detail that adds a hint of theatricality to the otherwise classical design.

The palette is sophisticated and earthy: soft beiges, umbers, taupes, and russets balance the pops of vivid carmine and antique rose, giving the rug both presence and subtlety. The meticulous shading and gradation of colors reveal the hand of a master needleworker.

Despite signs of age and gentle wear consistent with its time, the rug retains its grace and narrative charm. Measuring approximately 18′ x 10′, this piece would have originally served as a decorative floor covering in a grand salon or formal drawing room, and today, it remains a striking work of textile art, suitable for use or display.

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.