Vintage Irish Arts & Crafts Floral Mauve Hand-Knotted Wool Rug BB7686 10'4" × 10'6" $38,000

This exceptional vintage Irish Donegal rug, dating back to the 1930s, is a striking embodiment of the Arts & Crafts movement’s commitment to fine craftsmanship and artistic integrity. Woven in Ireland during a golden age of textile design, the piece reflects the influence of British decorative arts while honoring the legacy of Irish textile traditions.

Rendered in a beautifully muted yet sophisticated color palette, the rug features a warm, dusty lavender field surrounded by a wide celadon-gray border. The composition is understated yet elegant, with stylized botanical motifs — including floral rosettes and elongated leaves — arrayed along the border in a rhythmic, almost musical arrangement. Accents of golden saffron, pale mint, soft coral, and muted crimson add subtle contrast and depth to the design.

The four corners and midpoints of the border are anchored by larger, symmetrical floral emblems reminiscent of William Morris’s influence, their abstracted forms rendered in sunny yellow and rose tones that bring a touch of warmth and vitality to the overall design.

The thick, hand-knotted wool pile displays the lush, velvety texture characteristic of authentic Donegal production. The restrained central field, devoid of ornamentation, highlights the border’s artistry and brings balance and calm to the visual narrative. This simplicity also speaks to the Arts & Crafts ethos of honest design and materials, prioritizing harmony and function over excess.

Perfect for a refined interior, this Donegal rug serves as a subtle yet compelling work of floor art. Its timeless beauty and quiet dignity make it an ideal anchor for both traditional and modern settings, embodying the enduring spirit of the Arts & Crafts movement.

British artist Gavin Morton (1867–1954) is perhaps best known for his work as head of the design department for Morton & Co, a Scotland based textile company founded by his uncle Alexander Morton. Over time, Morton & Co aligned itself with the rising Arts and Crafts movement in Great Britain.

This piece from the Doris Leslie Blau Collection, 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.