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

Woven in circa 1920, this antique hand-knotted wool Persian Sultanabad rug reflects the celebrated weaving tradition of historic Sultanabad in northwestern Persia. Its allover floral layout and gently scaled repeat give it the easy rhythm collectors look for in antique Persian carpets, with a looseness that feels elegant rather than rigid.

A soft light blue field sets a calm stage for scrolling branches, trellis-like geometry, and dispersed botanical sprays in terracotta, brick red, navy blue, olive, and ivory. Rather than a formal medallion, the composition unfolds across the surface with relaxed symmetry, allowing the pattern to feel decorative without becoming dense. The result is a piece with visual movement and a distinctly airy presence.

A refined border system frames the field with rosettes, small floral motifs, and crisp guard bands, reinforcing the rug’s balanced silhouette. The low-contrast palette and open drawing make it especially well suited to formal and transitional interiors, where an antique Persian floral rug can soften architecture while adding depth, color, and historical 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.