Exquisite English Antique Floral Allover Light Beige Needlework Wool Rug – Circa 1880 (Size Adjusted) BB6916 16'2" × 20'7" $30,000

A magnificent example of late 19th-century British textile artistry, this antique English needlework rug from the 1880s is a celebration of botanical elegance and refined craftsmanship. Executed entirely in meticulous needlepoint technique, the rug’s design pays homage to traditional English garden aesthetics with an intricate and highly structured composition.

The field is arranged in a masterful grid of quatrefoil medallions, each enclosing a unique, hand-stitched bouquet of blooming flowers—ranging from vivid red roses to delicate ivory daisies and soft blush blossoms. These floral motifs are beautifully rendered with painterly detail and a naturalistic color palette that includes celadon, cream, moss, burgundy, and pale pink tones. The floral medallions are set against a rich chocolate brown background laced with elaborate golden latticework, giving the rug an architectural rhythm and enhancing its formal appeal.

A wide cream border with large botanical cartouches frames the central grid, continuing the floral narrative in a more relaxed and romantic style. Scrolling acanthus leaves and scattered blooms accent the edges, adding a soft visual transition from the geometric order of the interior to the rug’s perimeter.

This exceptional piece is not only a decorative object but also a work of art. Entirely hand-stitched in wool on canvas, it represents the height of English domestic needlework traditions from the Victorian era. With its grand scale and exquisite detail, it would serve as a stunning centerpiece in a classical interior or a statement addition to a modern space that values historic textiles.

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.