1900s Viennese Secessionist Rug by Julius Orendi BB8275 12'6" × 16'1" $80,000

This extraordinary early 20th-century Viennese Secessionist rug, attributed to Julius Orendi, is a rare and striking example of early modernist textile design. Created around 1900, the piece encapsulates the aesthetic principles of the Wiener Werkstätte and the broader Secessionist movement, blending architectural precision with organic fluidity.

Rendered in radiant shades of rose, lilac, and dusty pink, the rug features a highly structured geometric composition softened by Art Nouveau-inspired flourishes. The border is framed by repeating rectangular motifs that echo architectural paneling, while the inner field is defined by a rhythmic layout of squared medallions, linear bands, and stylized foliate ornamentation—particularly in the curved corners—suggesting an integration of nature and geometry characteristic of the movement.

The composition’s symmetry and balance reflect the influence of Orendi’s background in decorative arts and his affinity for applied design. The subtle tonal contrasts and interplay of light and shadow across the hand-knotted wool pile give the piece a sense of dimensionality and depth, while the softness of the color palette maintains an atmosphere of elegance and serenity.

This large-scale rug is a museum-worthy artifact that bridges the worlds of fine art and functional design. It would be a showstopping centerpiece in any space seeking to capture the refined modernism and historical depth of early 20th-century European design.

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.