Vintage Irish Arts & Crafts Floral Oversized Forest Green Hand-Knotted Wool Rug By Gavin Morton BB7797 14'6" × 22'0" $130,000

An exceptional example of early 20th-century textile artistry, this rare Arts & Crafts rug designed by Gavin Morton in the 1920s reflects the movement’s characteristic blend of craftsmanship, natural inspiration, and decorative restraint. Woven in Europe, likely in the United Kingdom where Morton was active, the rug displays a masterful use of form and color that aligns with the core values of the Arts & Crafts philosophy.

The composition centers on a serene allover design formed by stylized foliate and floral motifs, arranged in a gentle, rhythmic pattern across a lush sea-green field. Interconnected vine-like elements gracefully loop and frame floral clusters composed of abstracted twin blossoms and leaf arrangements. The design strikes a perfect balance between symmetry and organic flow, inviting the eye across the expanse without overwhelming detail.

Framing the composition is a wide border featuring more intricate floral medallions in vivid, warm hues—rose, rust, and coral—punctuated by cool blue-greens and soft gold. These secondary tones echo the central field while lending subtle contrast and visual depth. The border’s florals are classic Morton: simplified, yet delicately articulated, and infused with a romantic sensibility.

Crafted from wool and hand-knotted with a dense, luxurious pile, the rug exhibits remarkable craftsmanship and durability. The wear and muted patina visible in the images only enhance its historic authenticity, suggesting a gentle aging process consistent with high-quality natural dyes and materials used during the period.

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.

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.