Description
74681 Late 19th Century Antique Persian Sultanabad Rug, 10'03 x 13'04.
A grand statement of cultivated taste, this hand-knotted wool exquisite, antique Persian Sultanabad rug from the Late 19th Century exudes a sense of regal elegance and enduring artistry. At the center of this one-of-a-kind creation blooms a commanding medallion—its layered design in tones of midnight indigo, camel, and earthy ochre unfurling like a sumptuous blossom against a rich, rust-red field. This central motif is not merely ornamental but symbolic, embodying ancestral harmony and sacred symmetry, hallmarks of timeless Persian design. From its exceptional composition radiate vine scrolls and stylized florals, each element woven with meticulous attention to detail, forming a tableau of balance that is as serene as it is majestic.
The captivating field, resplendent in warm red and softened with the natural abrash of time, is a canvas of organic opulence. Winding vines, lotus rosettes, and arabesque flourishes drift across its surface in a graceful interplay of structure and movement. These mesmerizing motifs, steeped in the cultural lexicon of Persian symbolism, evoke eternal life, spiritual continuity, and the cyclical grace of the natural world. Framing this intricate botanical expanse, the spellbinding corner spandrels glow in pale parchment tones—luminous enclaves adorned with stylized palmettes and curving saz leaves. These extraordinary details introduce refined contrast and architectural harmony, guiding the eye inward to the rug’s compositional heart.
Encircling the whimsical field is the magnificent Samovar Turtle Vine Scroll border, a signature motif of Sultanabad weaving rendered here in deep, celestial indigo and softened gold. This border—elegant, sinuous, and enduring—serves as both a protective emblem and a design triumph, symbolizing longevity and resilience. Within this grand enclosure, delicate double guard borders—one inner, one outer—feature floral meander patterns that lend rhythm and dimension to the whole. Together, these framing elements reinforce the architectural poise of this larger than life woven wonder while allowing the floral field to breathe and flourish. It is a composition of balanced drama, of intricacy without excess—the very definition of quiet luxury.
The patina of age has graced this Sultanabad with a textural softness and visual warmth that cannot be replicated—its faded reds, mellow ochres, and mellowed blues now a palette of living history. The rug’s generous proportions and confident design make it a statement piece in any room: equally at home anchoring an opulent salon, enriching the atmosphere of a paneled library, or elevating a serene dining space. Its presence is never overpowering—rather, it enhances its environment with soulful refinement and sophisticated stillness, resonating with those who understand the profound dialogue between design and legacy.
To own this antique Persian Sultanabad rug is to acquire a piece of woven poetry, a precious heirloom that reflects the artistic spirit and meticulous craftsmanship of a bygone era. It is not just a floor covering but a living work of art, where each knot, hue, and motif speaks of tradition, elegance, and intention. For the discerning collector or tastemaker, it offers more than beauty—it offers meaning, an expression of Persian heritage, and a sense of timeless belonging. In a world that moves quickly, this rare masterpiece stands as a testament to permanence, an object of beauty that continues to enchant across centuries.
- Distressed. Desirable age wear.
- Abrash.
- Hand-knotted wool.
- Made in Iran.
- Measures: 10'03 x 13'04.
- Pile Height: 0.14 of an inch.
- Date: 1880's. Late 19th Century.