Antique Bessarabian Botanical Rug BB6347 6'0" × 9'0" $18,000

An exquisite example of 19th-century textile artistry, this antique Bessarabian rug from circa 1880 showcases the region’s deep-rooted affinity for lush florals and European elegance. Handwoven in Ukraine, this piece is a rare marriage of folk tradition and aristocratic sensibility.

Woven in a tapestry (kilim) technique, the rug features a beautifully orchestrated pattern of oversized floral medallions arranged in a rhythmic repeat across a cool cerulean blue field. The stylized botanical elements—lush cabbage roses, trailing acanthus leaves, and baroque scrolls—are rendered in soft yet rich tones of mossy green, dusty rose, ivory, and garnet, with subtle accents of pale yellow and sage. A delicate magenta outline adds dimensionality and refinement to the composition, emphasizing the curved silhouettes and ornamental flourishes.

Each motif is slightly pixelated in appearance, a charming hallmark of the flatweave technique, which only enhances the hand-crafted character of the piece. The palette, though vibrant, is softened with age, imbuing the rug with a romantic patina and timeless grace.

Finished with a sturdy multicolored border that balances green, plum, and ochre, the rug demonstrates both structural integrity and painterly beauty. Its versatile size and evocative design make it ideal for both traditional and contemporary interiors, whether used as a focal point or layered with other textiles.

This antique Bessarabian kilim is not just a floor covering—it is a living piece of history, preserving the ornamental charm and cultural richness of Eastern Europe at the crossroads of empire and rural artistry.

Expertly curated by Doris Leslie Blau, this rare rug is a testament to centuries of weaving artistry. 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.