Early 20th Century Indian Botanic Design Handmade Wool Rug in Sienna and Purple BB6020 11'7" × 13'7" $30,000

This striking circa-1920 antique Indian rug consists of a lattice formed by closely-spaced flower shapes in shades of purple, against a field of sienna. Floral motifs prevail throughout the antique carpet, and a border containing scrolling vines and flowers completes the look. The production of antique Indian rugs and antique carpets dates from the Mughal period of the late 1520’s, beginning with the conquest of Northern India by Babur.

Akbar the Great (1556-1605) and his successors sponsored and encouraged the weaving of splendid Indian versions of classic Persian floral, garden and hunting north Indian rugs and carpets. As an eminent patron of the arts, Jahangir (reigning from 1605-1628), possessed a deep love for the beauty of nature, influencing the artists of his court. With a knotted pile of the softest pashmina wool, the antique North Indian carpets originated and perfected by these weaving families have to this day rarely been equaled.