Meshad Persian Antique Allover Navy Blue Hand-Knotted Wool Runner – Circa 1940 BB7674 4'9" × 29'10" $65,000

Woven in Meshad, Persia, circa 1940, this antique hand-knotted wool runner reflects the region’s refined Persian weaving tradition in a distinctly modern key.

The composition is intentionally spare: a saturated navy-blue field carries a slender vertical stem that reads almost like a graphic vine, with small alternating leaves stepping along its length. Near the upper field, a single horizontal offshoot breaks the axis, adding subtle asymmetry without disturbing the runner’s calm rhythm. Ivory and dark charcoal accents sharpen the line work and give the design its crisp Art Deco character, while generous negative space keeps the image open and architectural.

Rather than leaning on dense ornament, the piece relies on proportion, line, and color to create movement. That restraint makes it especially effective in hallways, galleries, and other narrow interiors where a long Persian runner is meant to guide the eye. Its wool pile and hand-knotted construction add warmth and tactility, while the cool blue ground lends a softened, lived-in depth. The result is a rare Mashad runner that feels tailored, serene, and quietly graphic.

Part of Doris Leslie Blau's grand collection, this antique rug stands as a testament to the enduring beauty of traditional weaving artistry. Renowned for its curated selection of the world's finest rugs, DLB offers pieces ranging from accessible vintage treasures to rare, museum-worthy masterpieces for discerning collectors and designers alike.