Antique carpets in Portugal

Hotel resorts on Madeira and Azores draw millions of tourists each year, making Portugal one of the major holiday destinations in Europe. However, this country has a lot more to offer than just a perfect place for relax. It’s history had a major impact on the contemporary word, completely changing it in many ways. Doris Leslie Blau relishes in the unique opportunity to supply Portugal’s citizens with antique carpets, vintage rugs and contemporary pieces of their choice.

About us

Since our inception in 1965, Doris Leslie Blau Gallery sets new standards of service by delivering best quality antique carpets and vintage rugs wherever they are needed. Famous designers regularly use our antique rugs in their interiors and many of our clients are among Architectural Digest’s “Top 100 Designers”. Doris Leslie Blau has established itself as a leading source of fine new and custom rugs based on patterns by many well-known contemporary designers, including Bunny Williams and Amy Lau. Ask the world’s top designers or architects to name their preeminent source of luxurious antique and bespoke rugs and they’re likely to point to Doris Leslie Blau! Our gallery is home to some of the most spectacular rugs of every origin imaginable, including Oriental, European and Persian carpets.

In order to deliver you best antique and vintage carpets, we offer fast and inexpensive (sometimes even free!) shipping all over the world, straight from our New York City based gallery, permeated with the magic of antique, vintage and modern rugs. As always, we care about your satisfaction the most, so do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about our fabulous rug collection and shipping process. Doris Leslie Blau’s webpage offers you the ultimate shopping experience, allowing to filter through every carpet in our possession using categories such as size, color, origins and age. Moreover, if you desire something original, we also offer a possibility of ordering a custom rug.

Nader Bolour

Doris Leslie Blau Gallery’s owner, Nader Bolour, is widely known as a businessman. His family established the Bolour&Sons enterprise in the 1920’s in Iran and quickly gained recognition as one of the most distinguished rug dealers worldwide. Meeting Doris Leslie Blau in 1978 changed the course of Nader’s life forever. The two of them immediately struck up a friendship and a business partnership. In 1997 Nader purchased Doris Leslie Blau Gallery and continues to shock the world of interior design with his bold and ingenious decisions. Nader is also a designer, which can be easily seen in gallery’s broad range of custom carpets, made from best materials available. His love for rugs is reflected in the approach of his employees. Whether you seek a rug from Nader or you desire his original design, you can rest assured that he is prepared to deliver a bit of soul to your home.

History of Portugal

The Iberian Peninsula was fought over for countless years ever since antiquity. As a country, Portugal was established in the 10th century, as a result of Reconquista against the Muslim, who invaded the Peninsula two centuries earlier. However, Portugal announced its sovereignty in the 12th century, after the Battle of São Mamede and the Battle of Ourique. Portugal is best known for establishing one of the longest surviving global empires and result in it becoming one of the major powers in the world. Portuguese explorers pioneered maritime exploration during the Age of Discovery – Vasco da Gama’s discovery of the sea route to India, Bartolomeu Dias’ sailing beyond the Cape of Good Hope and the European discovery of Brazil are just a few of many. Thanks to that, Portugal was able to almost completely monopolize the spice market in Europe, which helped it to greatly expand the military and support art. Sadly, a series of events, among which were the earthquake, which destroyed Portugal’s capital and gaining independence by Brasil, seriously damaged Portugal’s position. After 1910 the country established its first democratic government and after the Carnation Revolution, Portugal granted independence to all of its colonies – the last one to be handed over was Macau in 1999.

Culture

Portuguese culture is a specific mix that was highly influenced by country’s overseas discoveries and neighboring countries. It’s capital city, Lisbon, is considered to be a cultural center of the country. Lisbon’s cultural offer includes the Belém Cultural Centre, which provides space for conferences, exhibitions and artistic venues (such as opera, ballet and symphony concerts). Moreover, fifteen UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located in the country, ranking it as 8th in Europe and 17th in the world. Portugal’s traditional architecture is very characteristic and came to be known as Portuguese late Gothic. In the 20th century this style underwent a major change and was re-named as Soft Portuguese style. Portugal’s first well-known painters date back to the 15th century. Many of them were part of the late Gothic painting period, although those best known, Joana d’Obidos and Vieira Lusitano, created during the Baroque period. In the20th century one the most prominent Portuguese painter Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso debuted, taking European world of art by the storm.

We offer our clients a great choice of rugs of all origins and ages. Among Doris Leslie Blau’s wonderful pieces are antique carpets from Persia, Swedish flat weaves, vintage decorative rugs and many, many others. If you are interested in purchasing a high quality rug, be sure to visit our webpage, where you can comfortably browse through available pieces. If you happen to have any questions or doubts, our qualified staff would be more than happy to help or advise you. Wherever you need an antique rug or maybe something more contemporary, Doris Leslie Blau is m happy to serve you with our expertise and excellent service. Athens proudly celebrates its long historic heritage and rich culture and is rightfully considered one of the hottest tourists spots in the world.