Antique Sultanabad Persian Floral Allover Light Blue Hand-Knotted Wool Rug – Circa 1920 BB8168 13'9" × 23'8" $130,000

This exceptional antique Persian Sultanabad rug from the 1920s embodies the grandeur and artistry for which Sultanabad weavings are celebrated. Set against a rare soft sky-blue field, the design bursts with vitality through an intricate allover lattice of stylized palmettes, serrated leaves, and scrolling floral vines. The pattern is rendered in a harmonious palette of terracotta, coral, ivory, moss green, and midnight blue, which together create a striking yet balanced composition.

Unlike the more rigid, formal designs of urban Persian carpets, Sultanabad rugs are admired for their looser drawing and village charm, which gives them a sense of movement and organic spontaneity. The repetition of angular vinery interwoven with blossoming rosettes fills the spacious field without overwhelming it, while subtle abrashed variations in the dye add depth and character to the surface.

The wide ivory border, adorned with bold palmettes, geometric blossoms, and angular leafy scrolls, frames the composition beautifully and enhances its sense of scale. Multiple narrow guard borders—each with its own geometric motif—add layers of visual interest and refinement.

Woven by hand in the Sultanabad region of Persia (modern-day Arak), this rug reflects the finest traditions of 19th–early 20th century Persian weaving, yet it also speaks to a more modern aesthetic with its light ground and airy palette, making it highly versatile for both classical and contemporary interiors.

This antique Sultanabad rug is not only a masterpiece of craftsmanship but also a work of art—its luminous colors and flowing patterns making it a timeless statement piece.

A rare piece from the Doris Leslie Blau Collection, this rug exemplifies superior artistry and tradition. 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.