Antique Meshad Persian Floral Allover In Oversized Pale Sand, Hand-Knotted Wool Rug – Circa 1880 BB8773 16'9" × 24'3" $200,000

This antique Persian Meshad rug, circa 1880, is a hand-knotted wool carpet from the Khorassan region of northeastern Persia. It belongs to the area’s refined workshop tradition, where formal drawing and supple color were used to create courtly yet deeply livable interiors.

The design is organized around a strong medallion-and-crest composition set within a pale sand field. Four dark navy floral emblems anchor the corners of the layout, while a luminous icy blue medallion opens at the center, giving the rug its quiet sense of balance. Around them, scrolling vines, blossoms, and palmettes unfold in a finely worked allover pattern that feels detailed without becoming heavy.

A layered border system reinforces the composition, with a floral main border and narrow guard stripes that frame the field with clarity. Soft dusty blue, muted peach, light gray, and cream tones temper the navy accents, creating an antique Persian rug with a restrained, elegant palette. Its generous presence makes it especially effective beneath furniture groupings or in larger rooms that call for warmth, pattern, and historic character.

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.