Kirman Persian Antique Medallion Oversized Soft Beige Hand-Knotted Wool Carpet – Circa 1920 BB8640 15'9" × 24'7" $85,000

This antique Kirman Persian carpet, woven circa 1920, comes from the celebrated Kerman weaving tradition of Persia. Its large-scale format and formal medallion layout give the piece a stately presence, while age has softened the drawing into a more relaxed, atmospheric expression. The hand-knotted construction is evident in the fine floral detailing and the nuanced transitions across the field.

At the center, a scalloped navy medallion blooms over the soft beige ground, with matching pendants above and below and a painterly halo of floral ornament around it. The field is densely worked with delicate blossoms, vine scrolls, and foliate sprays in dusty rose, faded gold, ivory, and pale blue, creating a layered surface that feels both intricate and quietly faded.

An ordered border system frames the composition, including a main band of scrolling blossoms and vine work and narrow guard borders that preserve the rug’s architectural structure. Abrash and gentle wear have lowered the contrast, allowing the pattern to read with uncommon softness. This antique Kirman balances grandeur and restraint, making it especially well suited to formal living rooms, libraries, or layered interiors.

Part of Doris Leslie Blau's grand collection, this antique rug embodies the rich heritage and refined craftsmanship that define the world's most exceptional carpets. Established in 1965, Doris Leslie Blau has earned an international reputation for curating rare and important rugs spanning centuries of design history.