Antique Axminster English Medallion In Soft Beige Hand-Knotted Wool Rug – Circa 1800 BB8930 14'2" × 14'2" $130,000

This antique English Axminster rug, circa 1800, presents a rare round medallion composition rooted in Britain’s early carpet-making tradition. Woven in a soft beige ground, it balances formal symmetry with a pictorial character that feels closer to a tapestry than a conventional carpet.

At the center, a lion’s head sits within a circular crest, surrounded by four petal-like compartments edged in burgundy and plum. Each section contains small figural vignettes, while the surrounding ring introduces warm brown tones and a restrained note of blue, lending depth without disturbing the calm field.

Along the outer register, delicate botanical scrolling and animated animals create a gentle narrative border, echoing Aubusson and Victorian influences in an unmistakably English idiom. The muted palette of ivory, dusty pink, burgundy, and tan gives the rug an aged luminosity that suits formal entryways, salons, or layered interiors seeking historical character.

A treasured piece from the expansive Doris Leslie Blau collection, this antique rug embodies the gallery's longstanding commitment to sourcing carpets of exceptional artistry and historical significance. DLB offers a vast selection of antique, vintage, and contemporary rugs, welcoming collectors and designers at every level.