Irish Arts & Crafts Vintage Floral Emerald With Slate Blue Hand-Knotted Wool Rug By C.F.A. Voysey (Fragment) BB8545 1'10" × 3'5" $900

This rare antique Donegal rug fragment is a striking example of C.F.A. Voysey’s singular vision within the Arts and Crafts movement. Designed in the 1880s by the esteemed British architect and textile designer, this Irish-made wool rug celebrates Voysey’s hallmark aesthetic: stylized naturalism with an economy of line and bold color.

The composition is anchored by a dramatic tree-of-life motif, rendered in rich forest and emerald greens, with flanking elongated stems and budding red flowers. The tree’s canopy is expressed as a dense formation of oversized bluish leaves, punctuated with pixel-like clusters of crimson berries or blossoms—an early embrace of abstraction that feels remarkably modern.

Voysey’s affinity for nature is unmistakable here, but it’s presented with his typical restraint and geometric clarity. The deep blue outlines of the leaves and floral motifs create a beautiful visual contrast, emphasizing the form and structure of each element without losing the romantic spirit of the subject. The entire design is grounded in a flat green field, giving the composition a sense of serene verticality.

Crafted by the Donegal workshops in Ireland, this piece reflects the quality and ideology of the Arts and Crafts movement—emphasizing handcraftsmanship, local materials, and an honest, unadorned beauty.

Though a fragment, this rug stands as a complete and compelling work of art. Perfect for framing, hanging, or collecting, it remains a testament to Voysey’s artistic innovation and the enduring appeal of Arts and Crafts design.

Charles Francis Annesley Voysey (1857 – 1941) was an Irish architect and furniture, rugs, and textile designer in the Arts & Crafts style.

Rich in heritage and artistry, this handmade rug exemplifies the high standards of Doris Leslie Blau’s curated pieces. With a wide range of prices, Doris Leslie Blau makes exceptional rugs accessible to collectors and designers alike.